The Film Collaborative’s
Guide to Digital Distribution^™

Platforms & Services
EST, MOD, DTO, Cable & Satellite VOD, IPVOD, FOD, Internet Streaming, Mobile/Wireless

Below is a brief overview of the digital distribution landscape. The majority of the information was garnered from the sites themselves, but many sections have been supplemented with annotative notes based upon my experience doing deals with these entities. The information below is intended to merely cover the basics. Please also note some of the services listed in the sidebar to the left are only covered at the end in a briefer summary listing, and some of these services will not do deals with filmmakers, only distributors or aggregators (of course filmmakers can always try to aggregate themselves!). Always feel free to ask questions via email.

Update November 17

PDF Update: Alternative Distribution Rountable Notes, 10/23/09

Update October 19

PDF Update

Update July 27

Major update to almost every platform with recent articles. New additions include New Video (adding Monday July 27), Starz Play, LoveFilm and Boxee. Info on en2Go and Medeploy will be coming soon. And the Glossary is coming soon as well.

Update July 17

Rumors that Amazon may buy Netflix which would significantly enhance both platforms and change the space
While iTunes is the #1 revenue generating digital platform other than SVOD, Cable & Satellite VOD seems to generate 80% of all digital revenues overall.
Top executives have recently left IndiePix. IndieWire has coverage.
New to the digital distribution landscape? We've got you covered. New GLOSSARY OF DD TERMS coming soon.

Update August 21

In the news:

Update August 28

Updated The Auteurs, Cinetic; Added Sundance Channel On Demand, Vuze, MeDeploy, Glossary of Terms

Update July 27

Major update of almost every platform. August 13: Updated En2Go, Distribber, Netflix, Babelgum and IFC.

Update June 20

updated Bside, Snag, Netflix. June 26: Added Strand and Regent/Here! as well as Top Ten digital distribution tips for filmmakers.

Update July 14

Updated Distribber and Cinetic Rights Management.

Update June 6

The Digital Distribution space is constantly changing, so I will try my best to update more regularly, perhaps even later this month.

Apple TV

http://www.apple.com/appletv

Apple TV gives you access to an easy-to-navigate world of entertainment. Rent HD movies. Buy HD TV shows. Listen to your iTunes music. Even show off your photos. Connect one HDMI cable and, just like that, Apple TV turns your TV into so much more.

Put more HD on your HDTV.

HD movies. HD TV shows. HD podcasts. With Apple TV, they're all on demand. You get instant access to newly released Hollywood hits and popular classic and library titles, including the largest selection of on-demand HD movies. And now you can also purchase and watch your favorite TV shows in brilliant HD one day after they air.

Play your music through your home theater system.

With Apple TV, iTunes syncs wirelessly to your TV, so all the music you've collected can now be played on the best speakers in your house. The new Genius feature studies your iTunes library to automatically create a playlist of songs that go great together. You can also browse and buy music videos on the iTunes Store. And sync songs and videos purchased on Apple TV to your computer and iPod or iPhone.

Now appearing on HDTV: Your photos. YouTube videos. And podcasts, too.

Your photos deserve a bigger stage. And Apple TV puts them on your widescreen TV, where everybody can see them in stunning high definition. Select My Photos to browse photos that are on your Mac or PC. You can also access your Flickr or MobileMe galleries. And you no longer have to gather around a computer screen to see YouTube videos and podcasts – Apple TV plays them big and bold on your TV's spectacular screen.

Here is a short review from Cnet:

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/apple-tv-40gb/4505-6739_7-32 306442.html?tag=mncol;lst

The good: Provides access to a variety of free and premium media content--including movie rentals, TV shows, music, photos, podcasts, and YouTube videos--on your living room TV; streams media from networked Mac or Windows PCs; purchases and rentals can be done directly through iTunes Store on your TV; movie rentals from all major studios include some in HD and surround sound; sleek external design and elegant user interface; simple, streamlined setup; includes state-of-the-art 802.11n wireless networking; smooth, hiccup-free streaming.

The bad: Doesn't work with older, non-widescreen TVs; movie rentals must be watched within 24 hour timeframe; no subscription payment options; lackluster file support for non-iTunes video formats; oversimplified remote can't control other devices; no built-in DVD player.

The bottom line: With its enhanced iTunes video offerings, PC-free operation, and a lower price tag, the updated Apple TV is a compelling Internet-enabled entertainment device for the living room.

Orly's Note: I have not actually dealt with them yet and will update this after I do.

Amazon CreateSpace /
Amazon Video On Demand

amazonvod

Amazon is rebranding its digital services as Amazon VOD.

About CreateSpace

CreateSpace is a DBA of On-Demand Publishing LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc. We were originally founded as CustomFlix Labs, Inc. in 2002, and acquired by Amazon.com, Inc. in 2005. Our mission is to profitably connect our members to their worldwide audience.

CreateSpace provides inventory-free, physical distribution of Books, CD and DVDs on Demand, as well as video downloads through Amazon Unbox. We manufacture physical products when customers order so no pre-built inventory is needed. Through our service, you can sell DVDs, CDs, and books, for a fraction of the cost of traditional manufacturing, while maintaining more control over your materials.

With our services, you can make your books, music and video available to millions of customers by selling on Amazon.com, the CreateSpace Shop, and on your own website with a customized eStore.

Orly's Notes:

Amazon's Unbox does digital video – EST (electronic sell through) such that the rental file has a time limit by which it expires. Also MP3 files and Unbox is on TiVo. They have deals with studios and distributors and terms are 35% for MOD (manufacture on demand) and 50% for EST (electronic sell through) & DTO (download-to-own).
Through Create Space they do deals direct with filmmakers and the filmmaker drives traffic after agreeing to Member Agreement, sourcing the file digitally and establishing metadata. Terms are 55% to Licensor and $4.95 per unit for MOD. CreateSpace utilizes the same search tools as Amazon.
Also see Amazon Advantage for its self-distribution opportunities for DVDs. This is a great solution of one wants to sell DVDs off one’s site without incurring costs, and/or one can have a link off of SNAG for example (for documentaries).

Websites

VOD: www.amazon.com/videoondemand
CreateSpace: www.createspace.com
Amazon Advantage: advantage.amazon.com/gp/vendor/public/join

Please note Amazon now owns IMDB www.imdb.com and WithoutABox: www.withoutabox.com, which services the digital platforms in addition to managing festival distribution, marketing and ticket sales.

On July 17^th, 2008 Amazon also announced that it will have a VOD (Video On Demand) service and 40,000 movies and TV shows will stream. This service won't have the same issues that CreateSpace or UnBox had of user needed to download software. Amazon did a deal with SONY ELECTRONICS to place its Internet Video Store on the SONY $300 tower-shaped device that funnels web video. But future Bravia device will embed content in TV.

In July 2009 Amazon VOD began offering 7-day rentals to select titles. “Criterion Collection, Docurama, Magnolia Pictures, Strand Releasing, Virgil Films and Entertainment and Zeitgeist Films are among those offering VOD rentals on Amazon with a seven-day viewing period.” Source: http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6668695.html.

AT&T U-Verse

Services: TV, Internet, Phone

The Difference: All video and audio is digital and delivered over IP. U-verse uses H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) encoding, which compresses video better than MPEG-2, which is used on traditional media, including DVD. This greatly decreases the bandwidth needed to send programming, therefore a customer line does not contain unused data, like other cable service providers.

Website: uverse.att.com

Subscribers: 781,000 (as of October, 2008)

http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/TV_theater/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208802242

Cost: Free installation and free first month of programming. Plans start at $44.

Availability: 12 states (as of 1/23/08)

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS146389+23-Jan-2008+PRN20080123

TV Features:

Record up to four programs at the same time (One HD and three standard-definition (SD) channels, or four SD channels, can be recorded or viewed simultaneously)
Program your Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from a remote location
Capable of receiving High Definition TV (HDTV) signals
Access to your Video on Demand library anytime
On-screen program guide with 14-day look ahead
On-screen parental control
Channel line-up and easy-to-use Features Guides included
Each TV in the home requires a receiver, additional receivers are just $5 each per month
DVR program recording capacity: 133 hours SD recording, up to 37 hours HD recording, or any combination of the two

*Controversy: Several communities where the VRAD boxes (which allow U-Verse to be available) were installed have complained about the loud humming noise the boxes make: http://www.connpost.com/ci_12852721

Atom Films

Website: www.atom.com

Now owned by MTV Networks. Lauching original series and also buying shorts and other content, e.g. original series produced by Ivan Reitman called Border Patrol.

Babelgum

Website: www.babelgum.com

A free internet TV platform supported by advertising, Babelgum combines the full-screen video quality of traditional television with the interactive capabilities of the internet, offering professionally produced programming on-demand to a global audience with broadband access (a minimum of 450kbit/sec).

They pursue inherently non-commercial cinema, documentaries, experimental, educational, and with a particular focus on environmentally oriented documentaries.

Babelgum also produces films such as Dirty Oil. They recently acquired RAGE at Berlinale. And they feature the Babelgum Online Film Festival for emerging talent, which is a big focus of theirs.

As the name suggests, Babelgum's goal is to act as an international 'social glue', bringing a huge range of content to a global audience – like a modern-day Tower of Babel. The bubble logo is a fun visual pun on the company name, but also reflects Babelgum's commitment to a green, global future.

Babelgum is a worldwide platform servicing mobile devices above all. They only want iFod rights because they focus on mobile / wireless and they point to platforms with films. They have applications with Google's G-phone, Vodafone, and they have a Symbian app too etc (Symbian refers to the operating system of Nokia phones). They want a window in which they offer the film before transactional and other digital. They are not dealing with carriers so they do not have to deal with subscriptions. They so far have been overpaying by most people's standards, and after recouping the MG they offer a split of 50/50.

The Babelgum player provides content owners with a secure platform on which to distribute their programming worldwide and a unique business model that allows them to monetize their assets. They work with dynamic swift files that are harder to crack and look like a flash player and report to providers.

Babelgum's content partners include the Associated Press, Reuters, PBS, BBC, 3DD, Shine Limited, Gong Anime, IMG, Off the Fence and international film festivals such as Seattle, DC Independent and Encounters. The list of advertisers includes globally renowned brands such as Vodafone and Benetton Group.

They are ad-supported and have a devoted sales team that they own, unlike Snag which relies on AOL. They want worldwide rights and don't like to Geo-Filter.

Founded in 2005, Babelgum is an independent and privately held company with around 100 employees and offices in the U.K., Ireland, France, Italy and the US.

The company has invested 50 million Euros to date and has funds available for continued investment to develop the service. Investments are expected to be at a rate between €35 - 60 million per annum in the period 2007-2010. The company has a fully funded business plan and no requirement to seek external funding.

Babelgum is wholly owned and financially backed by Silvio Scaglia, whose wealth Forbes estimates at around 1.2 billion USD, making him the thirteenth richest man in Italy (the last in the list of Italian billionaires) and the 799th richest man in the world.

Coldplay premieres “Strawberry Swing” video on Babelgum. Source: Mirror.co.uk.

July 17th, 2009 Babelgum looking for more day & date deals with independent filmmakers. “Babelgum hopes that a focus on serialized content will enable it to work on an increasing number of simultaneous release deals without alienating filmmakers' traditional distribution partners.” Source: TBIvision.

July 21st, 2009 “Six new feature films have been unveiled by digital content agency Cinetic Rights Management and broadband portal Babelgum, continuing a pact unveiled in January between the two companies offering one exclusive title for each month of 2009.” Source: Indiewire.

BitTorrent

Website: www.bittorrent.com

Company Overview

BitTorrent is the global standard for delivering high-quality files over the Internet. With an installed base of over 160 million clients worldwide, BitTorrent technology has turned conventional distribution economics on its head. The more popular a large video, audio or software file, the faster and cheaper it can be transferred with BitTorrent. The result is a better digital entertainment experience for everyone.

With tens of thousands of new users every day, BitTorrent is made up of these business:

BitTorrent DNA

BitTorrent DNA is a disruptively effective content delivery technology. It significantly reduces bandwidth costs for popular files while dramatically improving the performance and scalability of websites. BitTorrent DNA enables websites to seamlessly add the speed and efficiency of patented BitTorrent technology to their current content delivery infrastructure, requiring no changes to their current Content Delivery Network (CDN) or hardware in the origin infrastructure. Businesses can benefit from the efficiencies of peer-assisted content delivery while improving the end-user experience.

The Torrent Entertainment Network (update: now closed)

Torrent Entertainment Network (TEN) is a now-closed online destination for downloadable and ad-supported streaming entertainment content powered by BitTorrent DNA. The network provides fast, on-demand access to the most comprehensive catalog of licensed content on the Internet, featuring thousands of movies, TV shows, music titles and games.

Orly's Notes:

ad supported, no interstitial, just overlays. 50/50 split Net recoupment of costs – 25% to ad service & 75% gets split 50/50 between Bit Torrent & content provider.
60 content providers including LGBT
direct-to-consumer and reduced bandwidth with proprietary so-called "DNA" (Delivery Network Accelerator) technology.
targeted advertising based on content / algorithm and metadata based so advertisers don't have to buy the whole site.
they use Cookies to do behaviour targeting (based on clicking history)
Bit Torrent is looking for end-to-end solutions such as the Myka box to get Torrents onto the big screen

Sources:
Engaget

B-Side

bside

Website: www.bside.com

We wanted to highlight BSide because they do grassroots marketing and also digital distribution for smaller indie films and are also the back end site for various film festivals such as Cinevegas (which in turn is meant to enhance their distribution activities).

Bside’s deals are 50/50 split with filmmakers. Two of their successful releases are Crawford and Super High Me. Bside handles backend data for 250 film festivals and is also a content aggregator for iTunes (I think, waiting to confirm this). NewVideo and Docurama are direct with iTunes. See separate New Video section.

INDIEWIRE article, June 18th

indieWIRE & B-Side Present Film Fest Technology and Media Partnership…We’re delighted to announce indieWIRE’s partnership with B-Side to bring B-Side’s Festival Genius technology to iW’s editorial coverage of top international film fests. The partnership launches today with combined festival guides for AFI/Silverdocs and the Los Angeles Film Festival, both happening this week.

B-Side’s Festival Genius currently powers the online program guide for more than 200 international film festivals. This partnership allows iW readers to access full festival schedules, trailers, audience ratings and reviews, personal calendars and recommendations, and mobile access, integrated with iW’s festival reviews, news, and updates - all without leaving the iW website.

B-Side’s Festival Genius is a terrific tool that I’ve been using to help me navigate fests and it’s great to be able to share it with indieWIRE readers here on our site,” said indieWIRE’s Eugene Hernandez.

“For all of us who attend festivals throughout the year, iW is the single most important source of up-to-the-minute news, reviews, and information,” commented Chris Hyams, Founder and CEO of B-Side. “We are thrilled to partner with iW to marry B-Side’s festival schedule technology and real-time audience buzz with their editorial, which together will provide the most comprehensive festival coverage available anywhere.” For more information and complete fest guides visit AFI/Silverdocs and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

About B-Side Entertainment:  Founded in 2005, B-Side Entertainment (www.bside.com) uses proprietary digital marketing and exhibition technology to distribute independent films. Through its Festival Audience Network – a portfolio of over 200 International Film Festival websites and 4 million audience members – B-Side has the ability to market and exhibit films globally, using theatrical and non-theatrical venues, and through partnerships with home video, VOD, and television distributors. By combining innovative marketing plans with proprietary data on potential audiences, B-Side and its distribution partners generate significant ancillary revenues at a fraction of the normal cost. B-Side has offices in Austin and New York.

Orly's Notes:

B-Side offers great solutions for industry festival-goers and mines festival audiences for data that can help B-Side later in distribution to those audiences. B-Side seems like good folk and has had some success with films such as Super High Me (noting HULU to be a viable platform for that) but we don’t have more information, and not for lack of trying to get it out of B-Side, who simply don’t respond to my inquiries.

Boxee

Website: www.boxee.tv

Boxee is a free, open-source software platform that integrates personal media with Internet media along with social networking. boxee’s social networking component allows users to share information about what they’re listening to or watching with other Boxee users or friends on social networks like twitter, facebook, etc.

Boxee is designed for your TV and use of a remote control. To get Boxee on your TV you’ll need to first connect your computer to the TV screen. You will most likely need an DVI/VGA to HDMI cable (but it depends on the specific input/output on your computer and TV).

Boxee is based on the Award winning open-source project XBMC, and also incorporates the XUL framework (which is the basis for the Mozilla browser).

ORLY'S NOTE: I have not actually dealt with licensing directly.

Sources:
Macworld [1]
Macworld [2]

CinemaNow

Website: www.cinemanow.com

Dell and Sonic Solutions have teamed to make downloading and recording DVD movies easy with the first PC-based Qflix™ drives. Using an intuitive application, Roxio Venue, movie collectors can search and select from a variety of major Hollywood hits available from CinemaNow, download them on their PC, transfer them to multiple digital devices in their home, and then create a permanent and portable DVD-format copy on Qflix DVD media at their leisure.

http://www.cinemanow.com/AboutUs-PressReleasesInfo.aspx?prID=124

Dell has also added pre-installed films (some are The Matrix, Spider-Man, a Children's pack) to their computers, so consumers can start their libraries before their new computers even arrive.

http://www.cinemanow.com/AboutUs-PressReleasesInfo.aspx?prID=125

Updates:

June 5th, 2009
"Best Buy…has brokered a new deal with CinemaNow parent company Sonic Solutions…Movie buffs will soon be able to download films directly from BestBuy.com, and through select devices the company sells in-store."
Source: PaidConent.org

July 15th, 2009
"Sonic Solutions officially announced its plan to launch a Yahoo! Widget this fall…"
Source: Engaget

The Cinema Guild

Website: www.cinemaguild.com

We note Cinema Guild simply because they handle great documentaries and art film and also handle digital distribution along with non theatrical and home video.

Cinetic Rights Management/FilmBuff

Website: www.cineticmedia.com

They take 50% and handle all deals and delivery, encoding etc and do all new media / digital distribution deals including VOD, Hotel, Airlines, Internet. Cinetic sometimes reduces its fees.

They say they drive traffic too. You can find them on Facebook.com.

Update: CRM (owned by Cinetic) noted has launched its VOD service that presently is said to have 10,000,000 but soon to be up to 30,000,000.

FilmBuff:

"Film Buff, a video-on-demand channel run by Cinetic, and overseen by Matt Dentler… They plan to offer as many as 15 first run films and classics per month.,.. Dentler stresses that they won't be limited to Cinetic repped titles, nor will they only showcase new releases. FilmBuff also aims to champion older films in need of rediscovery…

But one of FilmBuff's main goals is to introduce audiences to a wide selection of indie films, and give smaller movies a chance to shine with home audiences… with costs ranging from $2.99 to $9.99 to rent a film. Cinetic won't be buying rights, a'la IFC and Magnolia, and will aim to keep costs low in order to give the lion's share of the profit to filmmakers. Right now, Film Buff is only available in 10 million homes, but will expand to 30 by the end of the summer…"

Source:
Cinematical

Orly's Notes:

The above is text from Cinetic's own press coverage based on their announcements. Upon speaking to them, they cannot say that their reach on their own VOD platform is 10,000,000 yet but it is in the millions. They launched July 15 with Verizon and Charter and a few regional cable MSOs and they have a one-off deal with Comcast which is the largest MSO in the country and they expect to have full carriage in the Fall of 2009. They release five (5) films a month so they can have ideal marketing bandwidth, and similarly to IFC and Magnolia want to have Cable and SVOD be a viable window and part of release for a 6 - 8 week period and then after transactional distribution (VOD, iTunes etc) they can handle regular Broadcast windows when viable. Their fees are 50% but can slide down to 30% or even 25% for the right film and for sales agents or distributors they sometimes come down to 15%. It all depends on the competition and the campaign. CRM wants to be a 1-link, complete solution. As far as marketing, I am waiting to get their description of their marketing support and they also like to work with filmmakers who have their own social media networking and marketing in place so the two can work in tandem.

Comcast

The largest cable provider. Warner Brothers VOD services Comcast VOD as well.

Owns Fandango/Fancast and www.ziddio.com.

Has faith in the social networking platform Plaxo, which it just acquired.

June 24th, 2009
"Comcast announced it will begin a national technical trial of its ‘On Demand Online’ service in July carrying programming from Time Warner’s Turner networks TNT and TBS."
Source: Comcast

Content Republic

Website: contentrepublic.com

Content Republic is Europe's leading digital film distribution company, representing filmmakers, sales agents and distributors and delivering their films to an extensive network of digital retailers.

Crushed Planet

Website: www.crushedplanet.com

Created by the Emmy award-winning producers of HBO's Taxicab Confessions, CrushedPlanet is an unrated and uncensored network for adults. Content is created by artists for artists to distribute their work. For the past thirty years, entertainment conglomerates have established an oligopoly by controlling all the means of distributing entertainment content. As a result, these conglomerates demand ownership of artists' intellectual property in their quest to create content libraries in which they reap all the financial gains. Challenging that model, CrushedPlanet's unwavering mission is to feature original content from top artists and emerging talents, while allowing those artists to retain all the rights to their work and receive the majority of fees paid to view the work. It's time to return a fresh perspective and artistic integrity back to the world of entertainment. CrushedPlanet will serve a market already hungry for a place to find powerful, innovative content. In the overly cluttered universe of the web, there will be one planet like no other. CrushedPlanet will offer viewers a new generation of creative content and become a destination for the most compelling entertainment on the web today.

Orly's Notes:

Platform to broadcast films without giving up rights if you don't want to.
Non Exclusive – licensors get 33% of gross (no deductions); exclusive gets 51%
They have 15 channels on their network for different kinds of content
Financial model is either subscription based or pay-per-view – there are NO ADS
It's a curated site, just launched a few weeks ago
Uses Flash technology
Delivery: Quicktime file or Mini DV

Distribber

distribber

Website: distribber.com

Their tagline is "DIY Distribution - Do it yourself, they're not doing it for you"

Orly notes: Distribber is run by Adam Chapnick, who is on the Board of Directors at IDA (which, as some of you may know, is a client of New American Vision). He talked to me about what Distibber is offering documentary filmmakers, so I'm just going to quote him below, but I'd be happy to connect him with any of you:

"Yes, our model is that we charge a flat fee up front, then take no rights and no rev-share. Rightsholder collects 100% of his/her money through us.

The $1295 flat fee covers encoding (which through an iTunes-approved encoder costs $5 or $6 per minute), matching chapter breaks to your authored DVD or to a chapter-break list, pulling screen captures for the chapter menu, and ushering the film through the iTunes QC process.

We charge $59/year for processing/reporting quarterly.

So, the better your film performs, the more of a no-brainer our deal is. If you're concerned that your film might not sell more than a couple of hundred downloads in its entire life on iTunes, our deal isn't so good.

You can cancel at any time (though within 6 months we charge an early takedown fee of $95).

PS, FYI, I'm working with Netflix to put filmmakers onto their Watch Instantly catalog, and they are taking films directly into that side without handling the DVD. I'll fill you in as I get better acquainted with the process."

For anyone not doing a traditional licensing deal that included Videogram / Broadcast / Digital Distribution rights…this is a great alternative, perhaps supplemented with DVD handled through CreateSpace and then after that, if I were you, I would resolve SNAG (non-exclusively and with DVD component). Happy to answer any and all questions and of course to connect you to Adam Chapnick. The key will be marketing the film yourself. AND ALSO KEEP IN MIND iTUNES REQUIRES ONE USE AN ENCODER APPROVED BY APPLE. E&O INSURANCE IS NEEDED BUT ONE CAN DO A GROUP POLICY.

A little more about Distribber:

From their blog:

Distribber.com's First 2 Films Are Live on iTunes! | DIY Distribution

This was a big week for Distribber.com! Our first two films went live on the iTunes Store: The terrific Sundance doc about Arthur "Killer" Kane, former bassist for the NY Dolls, turned Mormon church volunteer, called, appropriately, New York Doll, and, Runners High, the inspiring doc about an Oakland high school program that trains teens to run the L.A. marathon. It made me stand up and cheer.

Orly's Notes:

Please note some folks are experimenting with DIY distribution through social networking platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. One should also keep in mind that because landing on iTunes's main page makes a huge difference in a film's performance on the platform. Because some companies have better relationship leverage than others on that front, New Video, for example, may have more success than Distribber in this arena.

August 13, 2009: One should keep in mind that getting onto iTunes's main page makes a huge difference in the film's performance on the platform and some companies have better relationship leverage than others on that front. New Video may have more success in that way than Distribber, for example.

en2go

Website: en2go.com

We are en2go: A colorful mash-up of entertainment industry veterans and newbies, technology innovators and users. We are new media visionaries emboldened by a radically different approach to Internet technology and digital entertainment.

We think of ourselves as a disruptively creative digital innovation factory. Our team is capable of doing every layer in the digital supply chain: software, video, music, graphics, interactive media, gaming, web content, distribution, advertising metrics, payment processing and more.

When it comes to software, we’ve created the necessary tools, insights and people required 2 create lighter, faster, and more efficient Internet applications. These applications are being built to supersede current audio, video, and data-transfer limitations, thereby feeding the current ocean of demand for rich multimedia experiences and interactions delivered via the Internet.

When it comes 2 original content, we are on the forefront. We can produce content, even interactive content, faster, better, and more creatively than most. Strategically located in the “Media Capital of the World, we have convenient access 2 giant media partners, industry icons and celebrity power.

We blend entertainment and technology so perfectly, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish one from the other.

Our innovative approach and creative software studio has grabbed the attention of some of the most notable visionaries of networked computing, convincing them to join our cause. Our core team is complemented by Apple’s co-founder, Mr. Steve Wozniak, as well as early Apple innovator and computer networking pioneer, John Draper (a.k.a. Captain Crunch), and others.

The first 2 applications to emerge from our sandbox, eMaculate and Flyxo, place us on the cutting-edge of innovation. And we are working on dozens of others. They empower content creators, brands, and publishers to develop dazzling and highly engaging experiences while immersing users, fans, and consumers in spectacular new worlds.

We are en2go, ‘entertainment + technology,’ a new breed of innovative and forward-thinking companies shaping the future of entertainment, media, and all things digital.

Technology

What’s hot in technology today might be superceded tomorrow. No problem. Led by Chief Visionary Officer, Tolga Katas, en2go is developing a modular and highly valuable library of code assets called en2ools. This ever-growing toolkit enables us to deploy the rapid development of software so we can change as quickly as needed to stay in the forefront of technology.

Entertainment

Entertainment drives technology. No one would have bought an iPod if there were no music. Entertainment companies are being forced to rethink their strategies to deal with new technologies and demands from consumers. Thanks to technology, users now have more choices and control as entertainment has evolved into a customizable, interactive, high-quality, social experience fueled by the web. Luckily, that’s where our magic unfolds.

Creativity

Creativity is one of the core values of en2go. Studies show people are most creative when they are happy, and the least creative when fighting the clock. Our playful, flexible, mad-genius environment, nurturing leadership and agile programming help unlock fresh ideas in software and content development, as well as operations. Our innovation and success is fueled by having fun.

Business

The past decade has witnessed technology tearing through entertainment, wrecking old business models and leaving a trail of crippled marketing, advertising, and distribution strategies in its wake. We draw on the brainpower of our enOvators to introduce more effective business models. And as we create, promote, distribute and monetize the creative work of our channel partners, clients and artists.

Channels

In the not-too-distant past, only the most forward-thinking companies had web sites. Before long businesses needed a web presence to be considered legitimate. Soon thereafter social networking came along. With today’s exploding world of online media, we believe savvy business leaders will realize they need a Flyxo channel to share their message in the highest quality possible and to reach their demographic in an engaging way.

Flyxo

How would the world change if you had a platform that could stream theater-quality HDTV right to your desktop over your regular Internet connection? What if it also allowed you to broadcast live, on-demand multimedia and launch rich applications from your favorite artists and content providers in multiple formats?

Flyxo is our gateway to delivering the world of truly rich, high fidelity, data-intensive and bandwidth-gulping multimedia experiences to a user’s desktop. The Flyxo application is a new media delivery platform where high-quality television becomes truly interactive, and the web’s dominance is displaced as just another part of an Internet user’s experience. Once loaded, Flyxo literally becomes the user’s desktop, broadcasting movies, wallpapers, music, flash and rich applications on-demand to the user.

Content owners are given complete control over their media: Flyxo allows them to create their own channels by mixing video with interactive media, then broadcast it anywhere in the world. With Flyxo, En2go envisions an Internet where users will be able to get the latest updates (sometimes even live broadcast) from their favorite sources of media (bands, artists, movie studios, etc) as soon as they power up their computers and without having to click around searching for it. This new discovery process allows content-owners and true fans to get together and create an intimate relationship where technology no longer gets in the way but rather unleashes the true power of the artist and his content.

Flyxo will change forever the manner in which we create, consume, and interact with media over the Internet. In the end we displace the browser, seize the desktop, and unleash powerfully captivating and creatively dynamic user experiences.

Flyxo is a free software easily downloaded from the web or shared by email. The user simply clicks on the Flyxo icon to transform his or her desktop into a movie theater, an HDTV, a radio station, a gaming box, a slideshow viewer, a wallpaper gallery, a set-top box and more.

This software allows the user to watch high quality multimedia and launch rich applications from favorite artists and content providers in multiple formats.

en2go is creating an Internet where users will be able to get the latest media updates from their favorite sources of content (bands, artists, movie studios, news, etc) as soon as they power up their computers.

Why stumble around the net clicking and searching when you already know what you want?

Video rental sector suffering due to online video choices
Newspapers finding it increasingly difficult to compete against the internet
Recorded CD sales continue to struggle as digital music sales soar
Radio broadcasting suffering due to alternatives such as satellite radio, internet and digital MP3 players

This new media delivery platform allows content-owners and true fans worldwide to discover each other, thereby creating an engaging, mutually-beneficial relationship.

en2go aims to revolutionize the way people create, consume, and interact with media over the Internet.

Entertainment + Technology = Revenue
While entertainment properties struggle to find a digital business model, en2go’s channel opportunity unlocks multiple revenue sources.

Channel fees, monthly fees, bandwidth fees.
On-demand premium content sold to directly users on a pay-per-view basis.
Licensing, subscription fees, revenue sharing.
Fees for production and development of original entertainment, artist media, innovative advertising content.
Custom solutions

EZTakes

Website: www.eztakes.com

Is an EST and DTO service. They license LGBT and from many Indie distributors allowing for one to burn DVDs or watch Indie films on many platforms.

Guba

Website: www.guba.com

About GUBA:

Founded in 1998, GUBA is a leading online entertainment destination helping users browse, download and share video on the internet. GUBA users can watch videos in Flash or download to the PC, iPod, PSP, and other portable devices.

In compliance with the DMCA, GUBA accepts user-generated video in all common formats.

GUBA is a privately held company and headquartered in San Francisco, California.

HDNet

Website: www.hd.net

Same owners as Magnolia – their VOD program is called Sneak Preview and they often do day and date with theatrical or a VOD window before.

Launched September 2001 by Mark Cuban & Philip Garvin.

HDNet is the first national television network broadcasting all of its programming in 1080i HD, the highest quality format of high definition television (HDTV).

HDNet and HDNet Movies are available in the US on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies.

The networks are available in Canada via Bell Express VU, Cogego, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and more.

All HDNet original programming is HD-DVR compatible, allowing viewers to pause and time-delay shows so that they can watch them when they want.

Here is a press release describing the link between this and Magnolia:
http://www.hd.net/pressrelease.html?2005-04-29-01.html

Hulu

Website: www.hulu.com

Company

Hulu was founded in March 2007 by NBC Universal and News Corp and is operated independently by a dedicated management team with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Beijing. Hulu closed a $100 million investment from private equity firm Providence Equity Partners in October 2007.

Mission

Hulu's mission is to help people find and enjoy the world's premium video content when, where and how they want it.

Overview

Hulu is an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites — all for free, anytime in the U.S. For more details on Hulu's service, check out the Hulu product tour.

Content

Hulu brings together a large selection of videos from more than 50 content providers, including FOX, NBC Universal, MGM, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. and more. Users can watch current primetime TV such as The Simpsons and The Office the morning after they air, classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Married...with Children, movies like The Usual Suspects and The Big Lebowski, and clips from Saturday Night Live and other popular TV shows and movies.

User Experience

Hulu is focused on quality and convenience and strives to create the best possible online video experience.
Hulu gives users the ability to customize their viewing experience online.
Hulu allows users to watch favorites or discover new shows anytime — at home or on the road.
Hulu's search feature helps users find any premium video online even if it is not directly available on Hulu.com.
Hulu is easy to use and share. Simply go to www.hulu.com, and click on a video to watch right away.
Hulu does not require a download of any software. Users only need a Flash 9.0 enabled computer and an Internet connection to enjoy.
Hulu offers the freedom to share full-length episodes or clips via e-mail or embed on other Web sites, blogs and social networking pages.
Hulu's clipping feature allows users to select a portion of the video they would like to share.
Hulu is free and legal through an advertising supported model.
Videos are available for unlimited streaming; watch favorite shows and clips over and over, for free.
Videos contain fewer ads than on TV. Advertisements appear during normal commercial breaks.
Hulu acquires the rights to distribute its videos, making them available to users legally.

Distribution

Hulu allows users to enjoy great videos on Hulu.com or at other popular Web sites across the Web. Hulu videos are available on AOL, Comcast, MSN, MySpace, and Yahoo! in the U.S. as well as a growing network of personal blogs, fan sites, and other Web sites where users choose to embed the Hulu video player.

Orly's Note: They are reportedly the 2nd best revenue generator in the digital distribution space (2nd to iTunes which is #1) and companies such as BSide and CRM many others to distribute to them. HULU notes that clusters of programming work best.

July 17th, 2009
"…Hulu ended the quarter the No. 2 video site behind YouTube."
Home Media Magazine

IFC

Website: www.ifc.com

Their indie VOD program is called Festival Direct — they release 5-6 per month

Services from IFC Include:

IFC the Network

Launched in September 1994, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first channel entirely dedicated to presenting independent film, unedited and commercially uninterrupted 24 hours a day. IFC's library boasts a collection of uncompromising stories, character and style. Committed to work struck from the creative vision of cinema's most compelling filmmakers, IFC also offers alternative films from today's new and up-and-coming artists. IFC's exclusive live coverage of special events including the Independent Spirit Awards and Cannes Film Festival, creative on-air festivals and one-of-a-kind original series and specials secures the company's role as the leader in independent film. IFC Television is one of the fastest growing digital cable networks available nationwide.

Through its Rainbow Media Holdings subsidiary, Cablevision delivers quality programming and original content to hundreds of millions of consumers. Rainbow Media's national program networks—AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv—are among the country's most watched and recognized cable channels. As a leading producer of targeted programming, Rainbow Media creates and manages compelling content for multiple platforms, including high-definition. Additionally, through its IFC brand, Rainbow Media operates one of the first multi-faceted entertainment programming businesses featuring film distribution, production and exhibition divisions. Source: Cablevision

IFC Films

A leading theatrical film distribution company launched in 2000, IFC Films brings the best of independent and specialized films to theaters near you. Independent film audiences nationwide recognize the IFC brand, which has rapidly become synonymous with first-rate product, aggressive and strategic release campaigns, utilization of brand cross promotions and artistic integrity. IFC is dedicated to realizing the visions of independent filmmakers without compromise and is a dedicated ground for nurturing these visions. IFC Films releases 10-12 films per year, building a slate of titles from an acquisitions program and selected in-house productions.

IFC Films releases include My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Casa de los Babys and Lost in La Mancha.

IFC Films on Demand

IFC Films On Demand offers the best in critically acclaimed independent films, with the added ease and convenience of on-demand functionality. IFC Films On Demand titles are new films, fresh from their theatrical runs. Plus, they are available on-demand on the same day that they are available in home video stores. IFC Films On Demand titles are ideal for the on-demand environment, as IFC Films fans are affluent, tech-savvy and early adopters of technologies such as video-on-demand. IFC Films On Demand will release several well-regarded titles in 2004, including Casa de los Babys, Camp, Girls Will Be Girls and Manic.

www.ifcfilms.com/ifcfilms/ondemand

IFC is also creating subcategories within its FESTIVAL DIRECT program to better market various categories of film and inspire more audiences to keep coming back for what they are interested in.

Orly’s Notes:

IFC FILMS is a separate entity from the IFC Channel (see above for corporate structure information)…The channel is more focused on original programming, such as U.K series.

IFC Entertainment includes the IFC Network and the Sundance Cannel. The IFC and Sundance Channels are working together more and more but that is not an officially worked out strategy yet.

IFC Films launched its Festival Direct program which is like an electronic art house cinema that showcases foreign film, genre film, and American indies much like one would see at Sundance. They are working with the Sundance Channel on a similar platform launching this month called Sundance Selects.

IFC Films of course works with its own VOD platform, which it has an arm's length relationship to. They have an output deal with the VOD platform and they also sell PAY TV just like any other distributor. Their channel is a transactional one and only the cable companies take a cut of the revenue before IFC gets it to share with licensors.

Overages run the gamut, a range, but they can be in the six figures at times.

They have noticed success with horror films lately partly because those films work in all languages.

IFC releases about two (2) films a month.

They often do Day and Date Theatrical & VOD. They do about 24-30 a year theatrically, at various levels of release. They have observed that VOD and Theatrical mutually drive each other for smaller releases hence that push to do Day & Date and pursue a very different model from what studios do for bigger cast driven or concept films. They plan to be releasing about 100 per year, one way or the other.

IFC Films also, after premiering films on its VOD platform, distributes to all viable transactional digital platforms such as the Amazon VOD, iTunes, Netflix, etc and they are working on figuring out the best way to deal with the ad-supported platforms such as Hulu and SNAG.

IFC Films offers similar splits on revenues to theatrical splits.

I think in the coming months it will be interesting to see how / if Sundance Channel and IFC Films / VOD can work together to enhance their brands and reach to the American public looking for art house cinema.

Acquisitions Contact: Arianna Bocco, Head of Acquisitions: acbocco@ifcfilms.com; (646) 273-7144

IndieFlix

Website: www.indieflix.com/

Both a B:B (Business-to-Business) and B:C (Business-to-Consumer) service that sells to digital distribution platforms and releases on DVD and on its own site via 72 hour streaming windows. They will soon do a Set Top Box deal and note that mobile content deals have yet to take off. They do deals direct with filmmakers, and *do not* take rights (just do distribution deals). There is a strong emphasis on marketing they claim (I have not worked with them yet) and they handle both shorts and features. Pricing for shorts can be as high as $9.95

Now on Hulu & Amazon VOD
Source: ShowMeYourIndies.com

Orly’s Note: Their top staff left and they won’t return my communications and seem to be desperately trying to aggregate content but won’t deal with me for films we are repping and I don’t yet see anything they can do that others cannot do better.

IODA

Website: www.iodalliance.com

Starting out in music and now film (features and shorts) IODA is the 6th largest contributor to iTunes.

They are a B:B service (Business-to-Business). They have direct deals with Sprint, Verizon, Cinema Now, Netflix, Amazon, XBox Live, Vudu, EZ Takes, Sony (PS3), iTunes, Snag, and Continental Airlines VOD. IODA did note that iTunes has said business with shorts is very slow and limited, even for Pixar content.

Update:
July 1st, 2009
"Sony Music Entertainment and IODA Partner to Create Leading Digital Distribution and Services Network for Independent Rights Holders"

Joost

joost

Website: www.joost.com

Joost — next-generation TV (formed by the creators of Skype). Had over a million Beta testers before launching and features over 20,000 TV shows and also does features and shorts last time I checked.

From their site: TV's a fantastic thing, and we're on a mission to make it even better. We're combining the best things about television – great shows, great picture quality, something that everyone knows how to use – with the incredible power of the internet to bring people together and deliver entertainment on demand. In the process, we're creating a new way to watch TV that does something amazing for everyone involved.

What's Joost? It's free TV, with the choice to watch alone or with friends. Joost is packed with internet tools such as instant messaging and channel chat, allowing people to really share the TV experience. It's a completely secure platform for content owners that respects their rights, while protecting and enhancing their brands. And it's an incredibly flexible way for advertisers to reach a truly global audience, in ways that really work. Joost isn't just video on the Internet – it's the next generation of television for viewers, content owners and advertisers everywhere.

Combining the best features of TV with the powerful social features of the internet, Joost will give TV viewers, advertisers and content owners more choice, control and creativity than ever before.

Delivery is MPEG2 files
Focus on TV and Features so far

June 30th, 2009
"Joost…announced today that, along with Joost.com, it will focus on providing white label online video platforms for media companies, including cable and satellite providers, broadcasters and video aggregators. This technology and service offering will support content owners’ efforts to build comprehensive branded environments online."
Sources:
Joost
IndieWire

LoveFilm

Website: www.lovefilm.com

Key facts:

LOVEFiLM UK carries over 65,000 unique titles including games.

LOVEFiLM is Europe's leading online DVD rental subscription service with one million members and operates in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

In just over five years, LOVEFiLM has grown to become the UK’s third largest home entertainment subscription service.

LOVEFiLM UK customers have generated over 68 million film ratings and over 750,000 member reviews.

The LOVEFiLM UK weekly newsletter reaches 700,000 members.

LOVEFiLM UK has won: British Video Association's award for the UK's Best Rental Service in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the fast-growing media company Media Momentum award in 2005, 2007 and 2008, UK technology – Innovation & Growth award for Mediatech Impact of the Year 2008, Home Entertainment Week awards for Rentailer of the Year 2008 and 2007, the 2008 Fast Growth Business Award for Retail/Leisure business of the Year, awarded 2nd place in The Sunday Times Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Tech Companies 2008 – (5th in 2007), The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 2007 – Best Management Team Award and was recently a finalist in the National Customer Service Awards 2008.

The group currently works with major partners in the UK including Tesco, easy Group, CD Wow, Guardian News Media, WHSmith, Odeon and Vue Cinemas, some of whom offer a fully white-labelled service.

MeDeploy

www.medeploy.com

Tagline: Digital Media Sales Syndication

From their Website:

Monetize while retaining your web traffic

MeDeploy's media sales syndication technology allows consumers to purchase and consume feature film content directly from any point of discovery on the Internet, such as a movie review website, social network, blog or community.

MeDeploy has developed what it calls the "MeDeploy Engine". The MeDeploy Engine can be added to any website easily using our Developer API, and turns your website into a place where your user's can find, purchase and download their favorite Hollywood movies. The MeDeploy Engine allows for the entire shopping experience to happen within your website allowing for direct media sales while retaining users. No longer does monetization mean driving valuable traffic away to affiliate retailers. Plus MeDeploy lets you tailor what movies you would like to make available to match your user's demographic and interests. The MeDeploy Engine also collects data about your user's shopping and media viewing habits and makes all this data available to you from MeDeploy's Dashboard.

What is the difference between MeDeploy and an affiliate program?

There is a huge difference! MeDeploy's API is not a method of driving traffic to our website. Instead MeDeploy's API enables your website to generate revenue by having its own media download store where your users can purchase and download movies directly from your site. Not be driven away from your website to some retail destination to monetize. MeDeploy works with all the major movie studios to make their films available to your website user through our system.

MetaCafe

metacafe

Website: www.metacafe.com

Metacafe is one of the world's largest video sites, attracting more than 25 million unique viewers each month (comScore Media Metrix). We specialize in short-form original content - from new, emerging talents and established Hollywood heavyweights alike. We're committed to delivering an exceptional entertainment experience, and we do so by engaging and empowering our audience every step of the way.

Since 2003 Metacafe has been one of the top independent online video sites, and we're a leader in the evolution of digital entertainment. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with offices in Tel Aviv and New York. Metacafe is privately held and investors include Accel Partners, Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures and Highland Capital Partners.

Micosoft Zune

Website: www.zune.net

Includes more than 800 episodes from NBC Universal, MTV Networks and Turner shows. Episodes cost 160 Microsoft Points or $1.99 each and appear the day after they air on TV. Microsoft has sold north of 2 million Zune devices total.

May 26th, 2009
"Zune will extend its video service to Xbox LIVE internationally this fall."
Microsoft also confirms new Zune HD player.
Source:
Zune

MovieLink

Website: www.movielink.com

(owned by Blockbuster — www.blockbuster.com)

Movielink is the leading movie download service offering U.S. customers an extensive selection of new and classic movies, foreign films, TV shows and other hard-to-find content. The service is operated by Movielink, LLC. Movielink is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blockbuster Inc., a leading global provider of in-home movie and game entertainment, with approximately 7,800 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. Movielink draws its content offerings from the vast libraries of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Studios Warner Bros. Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Miramax, Lions Gate and others on a non-exclusive basis.

Update:
July 14th, 2009
"Blockbuster has reached an agreement to have its on-demand titles playable through Samsung high-definition televisions and Blu-ray Disc players."
Source: VideoBusiness

Orly's notes:
Movielink will soon go away and it will be a Blockbuster.com site with download buttons. One can do VOD or EST. Splits are either 50/50 or 40/60 with Distributors depending on who is encoding. They have 35 third party distributors and focus on features. They have a deal with Wolfe for example so definitely have LGBT content.

Netflix

Website: www.netflix.com

Netflix's iPVOD / progressive download service did not get much traction or great reviews so they are now in the digital space with their new set top box initiatives. Netflix will allow instant downloads via Xbox Live in the late fall of 2008.

Netflix Teams With Streaming Media Innovator Roku on Player That Instantly Streams Movies From Netflix Directly to the TV Priced at Just $99.99 and Available Starting Today, The Netflix Player by Roku is Compact, Easy to Set Up and Intuitive to Use

LOS GATOS, Calif. and SARATOGA, Calif., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world's largest online movie rental service, and Roku, Inc., an innovator in digital media streaming technology, today announced the introduction of The Netflix Player by Roku, a device that enables Netflix subscribers to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV. Priced at just $99.99, the player is available for purchase starting today at http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer

The player is simple to install, easy to use and gives Netflix members instant access to more than 10,000 movies and TV episodes.

"We're excited to bring the first Netflix ready device to the market," said Anthony Wood, CEO and founder of Roku. "The seamless integration of the Netflix service into our player has resulted in true ease of use for the consumer. Now, streaming video isn't limited to people sitting in front of the PC; it's ready for the TV in the living room."

"The key breakthroughs of The Netflix Player by Roku are simplicity and cost," said Reed Hastings, chairman and CEO of Netflix. "First, it allows consumers to use the full power of the Netflix Web site to choose movies for their instant Queue, and then automatically displays only those choices on the TV screen. That's a major improvement versus the clutter of trying to choose from 10,000 films on the TV. Second, there are no extra charges and no viewing restrictions. For a one-time purchase of $99, Netflix members can watch as much as they want and as often as they want without paying more or impacting the number of DVDs they receive."

i.TV (www.i.tv) today announced the integration of Netflix, the world's largest online DVD and media rental service, into its popular TV and movie guide for the iPhone and iPod touch. i.TV gives media consumers up-to-date, local TV and movie listings based on customizable profile settings. Listings include rich information about programing, celebrity photos, biographies, show synopses, ratings, and reviews. Community features allow users to write reviews, rate their favorite shows and recommend shows to friends via an email alert. In addition to this, i.TV delivers media content directly to the end user in the form of movie trailers, television previews, and now DVD and movie rentals from Netflix.
Click here for full article
Update: Netflix is currently using Microsoft Silverlight for "cross-platform and cross-browser" media delivery on both PC's and Mac's. Note: Silverlight works with Intel Macs only.
Click here for original article announcing Netflix's plans.
TiVo and Netflix announced a partnership to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV through TiVo DVRs
Click here for full article..

UPDATE: NETFLIX is aggressively growing its Watch Now program and are sometimes paying advances for films that track well on their site. They will add titles to their Watch Now that they already have on DVD and their flat fee offers for the Watch Now service are based on the performance of the DVD generally. There are no overages or revenue sharing yet. But the films on Watch Now are not tagged with ads. Netflix continues to expand the platforms that they service with films for their subscibers. They offer films on XBOX, the Roku box, all Bluray players, and soon iTV and they keep expanding devices. Content is only available to Netflix subscribers.

July 17th, 2009
"Netflix stock jumps as rumors of a possible Amazon acquisition spread."
Source:
SF Gate

August 13, 2009: Recently, as Netflix's Watch Now subscriber VOD expands, they are offering some 50 cents per download, not just the flat fee that ranged from $1,000 - $45,000 or even more…and we hear that via the 50 cents per download, depending on the film, revenue can range between $100,000 - $200,000.

New Video

Website: www.newvideo.com

About New Video

New Video is an entertainment marketing, sales, and distribution company bringing top television, cutting edge documentaries, independent film, professional sports, and children’s programming to DVD and to the digital marketplace. Home to some of the most prestigious names in entertainment, including A&E®, HISTORY™, Major League Baseball®, NASCAR®, Major League Soccer® and Scholastic Storybook Treasures™, as well as Docurama Films and New Video NYC, New Video showcases well over 5,000 titles in its DVD catalog.

As the world’s largest independent digital video distributor, New Video provides over 10,000 hours of film and television from more than 100 trusted brands to download and streaming platforms, including iTunes, Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, Xbox, and Amazon.

PLATFORM OVERVIEW

New Video Digital brings content to multiple platforms, including*:

Apple iTunes
Xbox (Zune)
Playstation
Hulu
Amazon VOD
YouTube
Netflix Watch Instantly
Sling
SnagFilms

* Expanded partnerships with cable and VOD platforms in negotiation, slated for Q4 2009.

OUR PARTNERS

New Video Digital works with 90+ top independent content providers, the majority of which have hundreds of titles under license. Content ranges from classic best-selling TV, to Academy Award-winning documentaries, to foreign feature blockbusters, to art house favorites and beyond.

TERMS

For all digital delivery service types (download-to-own, download-to-rent, subscription streaming, ad-supported streaming, video on demand) New Video retains 15% of revenues remitted by Platform. New Video cash flows all expenses incurred, such as encoding costs, recouping from first receipts collected.

New Video Key Marketing Activities: iTunes Releases

Merchandising and Promotional Contact with Apple

Request optimal placement through store channels via coverflow and promotional groupings and features
Liase with Apple merchandising team on planned sales, features and promos to maximize the available store exposure

Promotion on the New Video website and properties

Placement in featured rotation on New Video web properties with buy link to iTunes

Promotion on Content Creators/ Owners' site(s)

Supply iTunes badge & guidelines for use on licensor's and/or individual programs' websites as accesible, and via email outreaches.

Media Alert or Press Release distributed

Service to short-lead consumer press (Entertainment, Film/TV and Tech). Long lead press as possible.

Social Media Outreach

Disseminate social-media release with images & clips (Digg, Reddit, Stumbleupon)
Post release on PR Distribution sites (ClickPress, i-Newswire, eCommWire, The Open Press)
Feed-based announcement made available (Google blog search, Technorati, Yahoo! News, Topix), tagged with keywords for easier discovery

Online grassroots outreach

Contact entertainment and digital portals; targeting topical, genre and talent fansites and blogs
Service with press release and special offers (exclusives, clips, contests, review copies)
Contact appropriate fans and friends via MySpace, Facebook and other groups

Email Marketing

Promotional email to New Video consumer list of 14,000+ subscribers

Trailer or Clip Tagging

Promotional clips tagged with “Now Available on iTunes” and syndicated to top video sharing sites (e.g. YouTube, Yahoo!, MySpace, Google, Revver, Dailymotion, Blip, Veoh)

Marketing Activities: New on iTunes

Merchandising and Promotional Contact with Apple

The New Video Digital team leverages a track record to pitch and shepherd strong promotional placements throughout the store, from main and genre page “coverflows” and “bricks” to editor’s picks, custom features and more. Our close relationship to the Apple iTunes merchandising and PR teams are the basis for maximizing in-store and out-of-store promotion. Titles are introduced for highlighted consideration through quarterly sales presentations.

Suggested Promotional Timeline

Stage 1: Launch DTO, with "Free on iTunes" exclusive content when available
Stage 2: Launch DTR (1-3 months following DTO) with "New to Rent"
Stage 3: Inclusion in genre, thematic and seasonal promotions (ongoing)

Media Alert or Press Release distributed

The press will be seeded in a creative manner, with a crafted pitch and angle to highlight the iTunes launch. We service short-lead consumer press (Entertainment, Film/TV and Tech), both print and online, and long lead press as possible.

Social Media Outreach

The release will further be disseminated as a social-media release with images & clips via Digg, Reddit, Stumbleupon and others; posted to PR Distribution sites such as ClickPress, i-Newswire, eCommWire, and The Open Press; a feed-based announcement syndicated through Google blog search, Technorati, Yahoo! News, Topix, and tagged with keywords for easier discovery.

Online grassroots outreach

We will seek out natural crossover audiences online, actively targeting bloggers, niche web editors, fan sites, message boards, in addition to entertainment and digital portals. These sites will be serviced with the release, images, the purchase link and special offers (exclusives, clips, contests, review copies). We will contact fans and friends via MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and social networks.

Monitor and Post Reviews in-store

We monitor and post individual reviews on the product page to improve title placement and sales.

Podcast Cross Promotion

New Video will coordinate cross promotion with any available podcasts related to Content on iTunes.

Promotion on the New Video website and properties

We will place content in featured rotation on New Video web properties with buy link to iTunes, including the website, newsletter and industry blog, reaching tens of thousands of consumers.

Promotion on Content Creators/ Owners' site(s)

We will consult with you to optimize notification of your existing fan base, via social networks and online fan communities. Using the iTunes badge official, fan and actors’ websites, and via email outreaches.

Trailer or Clip Tagging

Promotional clips tagged with “Now Available on iTunes” will be syndicated to top video sharing sites (YouTube, Yahoo!, MySpace, Google, Revver, AOL, Dailymotion, Blip, Veoh, StupidVideos, more) and include purchase link as allowed.

Qflix

Website: www.qflix.com

Qflix technology is revolutionizing the distribution of premium DVD entertainment. From Hollywood movies to network TV shows and niche content, Qflix technology makes it possible for content owners to digitally distribute DVD titles directly to the point-of-purchase, whether that is a retail store, an online destination, or a PC at home.

Using Qflix-certified DVD recordable drives, software, and DVDs, Hollywood movies and other premium content can be burned on-demand, eliminating the cost and complexity of managing physical DVD inventory. By reducing concerns about distribution costs, Qflix technology makes it possible for content service providers and retailers to offer a virtually unlimited catalog of premium DVD content to their customers.

Qflix is the name of Sonic's patented technology platform designed to enable the on-demand creation of premium DVD titles while maintaining compatibility with the more than one billion DVD players in use world-wide. The Qflix ecosystem is made up of manufacturers, distributors, software developers, systems integrators, retailers, and other digital media related companies who have all embraced the on-demand creation of secure DVD titles using the Qflix platform.

The Qflix ecosystem is made up of four key components:

Qflix-enabled DVD recordable discs
Qflix-enabled DVD recorders
Qflix-enabled software for PC or CE devices
Qflix online secure key servers

Source: QFlix

October 14, 2008
"Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduces two DVD/CD computer writers featuring Qflix™ DVD Download & Burn technology, enabling users to download their favorite movies directly from the Internet to DVD. As personal computers become media centers for many consumers, the new Pioneer® internal DVR-2920Q and external DVR-X162Q DVD/CD writers allow users to take advantage of this exciting technology."
Source: CinemaNow

Regent/Here!

REGENT/HERE! is focused on its own Pay TV service but also licenses digital rights through distribution. They work with OUT TV in Canada as well to the best of my knowledge.

Orly’s Notes: I do not have any details on their activities yet though I have asked. I will keep asking and update when I get the information.

Revver

Websites: www.revver.com and www.liveuniverse.com

From their site: Revver is an online media network built the way the internet really works. We support the free and unlimited sharing of media. Our unique technology pairs videos with targeted ads and tracks them as they spread across the web. So no matter where your video travels, you benefit because we share the advertising revenue with you. A syndication network with great reach. Videos posted on Revver can go to places like AOL, Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Blinx, iTunes, AppleTV, WordPress, Blogger, TypePad…even mobile phones. We serve millions of videos each month to audiences who are hungry for great content.

Revver is a powerful platform and suite of tools for serving and sharing media. We have one of the best online video players, customizable widgets, and a powerful and robust API for building your own video sharing site. We also have a WordPress plugin, too, if you want to start your own vlog right away.

Orly's Note:

recently acquired by Live Universe
video publishing platform. They take no copywritten content.
just short form content, 5 — 10 minute clips, content less than 100Megs.
deals are Worldwide (though I think one can geo filter), Non Exclusive, and Open Syndication — meaning that other platforms can take the content under the same terms.
for content tagged to ads revenue is split 50/50 with filmmaker. If one is the provider and content creator (filmmaker) one gets 60%. If one is just the syndicator one gets 20%.
various channels based on interest, niche, etc. — sexy stuff sells best, then comedy, then video games.
Higher quality than other platforms b/c of better compression engine. Revver was started by a filmmaker.
from 1 million — 6 million unique visitors per month, depending on the channel.

Shorts International

Website: www.shortsinternational.com

SHORTS INTERNATIONAL is a full-service short film entertainment company representing over 3000 films to over 120 international broadcasters across every platform and every medium. The Company's catalog includes award winning, celebrity driven premium titles from film festival around the world as well as the American Film Institute (AFI), USC, the Hypnotic catalog. This diverse catalog features both domestic and international films in their original language.

July 13th, 2009
"ShortsTV signs deal with London festival Lovebox"
Source: Screen Daily

They broker shorts to iTunes and other digital and TV platforms in US, Europe etc.

Revenue on iTunes within a 6 month period reportedly ranges from $100 - $12,000

BUT: We have heard some not-so-perfect things about them not paying filmmakers.

UPDATE: We have heard complaints that filmmakers are not getting paid. (1/15/10)

SnagFilms

From their website:www.snagfilms.com

SnagFilms is committed to finding the world's most compelling documentaries, whether from established heavyweights or first-time filmmakers, and making them available to the wide audience these titles deserve.

SnagFilms.com is a website where you can watch full-length documentary films for free, but we're also a platform that lets you "snag" a film and put it anywhere on the web. With a library of 250 films, and rapidly growing, you're bound to find films that resonate with your interests. We make it easy for you to find a film that shines a light on a cause you care about. You can then open a virtual movie theater on any web site, so any one can watch your favorite SnagFilms for free.

SnagFilms can be summed up in four words: Find. Watch. Snag. Support.

Find. Whether using our custom search tools, browsing by topic, or tuning into one of the great channels provided by our partners, with a few clicks you'll be able to find what you're looking for.

Watch. By streaming films worldwide, on-demand, 24x7 and with no software installation or downloading required, we have radically expanded the audience for documentary films. All you need is a decent broadband connection. Just click play, go full-screen, and lean back and enjoy our films.

Snag. Widgets let you take your favorite SnagFilms with you wherever you like to go online. Open a virtual movie theater right in your webpage, blog, Facebook or MySpace page, or just about any other place online you can think of.

Support. At their best, documentaries don't merely entertain us, they engage and inspire us to action. Our filmmakers have selected their favorite charities and causes so you can get involved, immediately. And just by embedding our widget our widgets, you've donated your pixels and helped support independent film.

Orly's Notes: SNAG is web 3.0. SNAG offers rich media content to go with editorials. They work with festivals and other curators to have channels on their site. They work with Nat Geo, PBS, Richard Lorber’s company, Arts Alliance America, coming soon an Outfest channel. They have some marketing relationships and deals with other entities such as Hot Docs, SXSW, and FullFrame and IDA and Hulu, Indie Movie and Washington Post... Their widgets live on nearly 25,000 sites. Their platform is very useful as far as exposure and marketing (exposure can be in the millions or even hundreds of millions) and that can then perhaps drive DVD sales and general awareness for other distribution. Actual revenue generated is very small as far as I know. They share ad revenue on a 50/50 net basis (after they deduct costs) but if your film is available on DVD and the widget created to promote the film and if gets pushed out widely enough that can be seemingly profitable if there are links to buy the DVD (however I have not heard of any good numbers, but maybe in time). Their term is 3 – 5 years and obviously worldwide, and they want exclusive rights but are flexible and can be non-exclusive I am told. For now AOL does all the ad sales (and gets rates on par with Cable TV) but SNAG is working on doing more of that in-house. Clearspring Technologies designs the widgets (Ted Leonsis, a longtime previous AOL exec who coined the term “filmanthropy” created SNAG which now also owns IndieWire. Leonsis also sits on the board of directors of Clearspring Technologies, and he owns sports teams…). It should be noted anyone can program and create a widget with the right toolkit and skills. But SNAG does have loads of marketing relationships and is building a brand name around documentaries such that a documentary can possibly get some more exposure than it otherwise might. My suggestion is to resolve your other distribution before utilizing this tool or at least have your film on DVD via Amazon’s Create Space and have that link in place. SNAG takes 8.5% of that revenue. They can however put widgets up for short windows and take them down (cut the feed) to accommodate a window of the release.

Starz Play (formerly Vongo)

Website: http://www.starz.com/channels/starzplay

Starz Play is the new video download service from Starz Entertainment. Starz Play is only available through Starz Entertainment's online affiliates. Starz Play lets you download and watch movies anytime, anywhere.

With Starz Play, you can watch great movies and more with Windows PCs and select portable media players for a flat monthly rate. Watch unlimited downloads, playback and streaming of over 2500 high-quality movie and video selections.

Starz Play gives you:

Instant gratification. With Starz Play you have instant internet access to on-demand and streaming movies, TV shows, feature-length concerts, action sports programs, shorts, bonus materials, extras and much more.
Movies & more anywhere, anytime. You can watch Starz Play wherever you want -- on a plane, a train, in a hotel, on your deck, in your dorm. Unlimited downloads. Starz Play is a monthly subscription video service which means you pay one flat rate regardless of the number of movies you download and watch.
One membership powers up to 3 devices. The entire family can share a Starz Play account anywhere in the U.S.
Live Starz TV Channel. Tune-in to preview movies…online!
Verizon customers, you can try Starz Play FREE for the first 14 days then pay only $5.99 per month.

Strand

STRAND is a disribution company that is starting to do simultaneous theatrical releases with VOD releases. Offering Netflix "watch now" and looking into other digital platforms like Hulu, Vudu, Amazon, etc. A Secret was their first film released with a simultaneous IFC VOD release and it did quite well. Right now they are giving it another go with Downloading Nancy. They note "It's been an interesting experiment to see how films will do by including the option of watching the film from one's home. But seeing how people are more reluctant to travel to the theatre and are becoming more concerned with building their own home theatre, it's definitely an option worth exploring."

Sundance Channel On Demand

VOD now available on the following Cable Providers: Comcast, Charter, Cox, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner, Verizon, DirecTV

The Auteurs

http://www.theauteurs.com

About The Auteurs (from their site)

The Auteurs is the fastest growing online destination for lovers of independent, foreign and classic film; an online cinema, anytime, anywhere. The Auteurs will give you the latest buzz from the Cannes Film Festival or a restored masterpiece personally chosen by Martin Scorsese (he's a member, too!). A social network that can let you find a visual gem that will definitely not be released in the local multiplex, and allows you to find a girl in Tokyo who loves Kubrick (she actually exists, her name is Yuko and she's into Wong Kar-Wai too...). The Auteurs invites you to watch, discover and discuss visionary films from all over the world. Founded in 2007 by Efe Cakarel, The Auteurs is backed by Celluloid Dreams, The Criterion Collection and Costa Films and is the exclusive partner of The World Cinema Foundation. The Auteurs is based in Palo Alto, New York, Paris, London and anywhere around the world where there's a movie lover.

The Auteurs charge customers as follows: pay per view ($5 in US, 3 pounds in UK, 5 euros in France, etc.; different prices in different countries in different currencies.) and they try to offer as many films as possible exclusively for free supported with Advertising (such as Criterion Festival and World Cinema Foundation titles).

Their deals with distributors are 50/50 on gross at all models (pay-per-view, advertising, etc.). They can Geo-Target as needed.

WiRED magazine, 5/22/09

The average movie fan has been quick to embrace the convenience of streaming films from Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon.com. But for discerning cineasts, those libraries are too mainstream, the video quality is shabby, and the director's commentary (a crucial feature on DVDs) is notably absent. Enter TheAuteurs.com, a new Silicon Valley-based site that delivers video-on-demand for film buffs—from obscure international releases to up-and-coming flicks found only on the festival circuit—at $5 a pop. Through an exclusive partnership, Auteurs also provides access to the Criterion Collection's legendary archive of director's cuts and DVD extras..

The site's tech is as groundbreaking as the content it features. Unlike Apple, which requires iTunes, and Netflix, which relies on a third-party app, Auteurs sends compressed files to your browser's Flash plug-in for instant streams. What's more: Engineers work behind the scenes to boost the viewing experience, painstakingly tweaking the compression settings for each film with a tool chain that includes mplayer, x264, ffmpeg, and mp4box. They also add lush 5.1 Dolby surround sound. "Our office is a combination of film geeks and AV nerds," says Efe Cakarel, the company's founder. "Even if a film is available elsewhere, it's not going to be the same because of the expertise we've brought to encoding." For further quality control, a selection judge from the Venice Film Festival curates the library..

Auteurs currently offers 84 titles from 30 different countries and plans to expand its catalog to 1,000 films by the end of 2009. So while the celebrities are descending upon Cannes, film connoisseurs can kick back and wait for the art house to come to their living rooms..

The WiRED article can also be found here.

Verizon FiOS

Services: TV, Internet, Phone

The Difference: Stands or "Fiber Optic Service." Verizon FiOS products are delivered over the FTTP network using passive optical network (PON) technology. Unlike AT&T's U-verse product, Verizon's video service is not Video over IP (IPTV). Video On Demand (VOD) content and interactive features, such as Widgets and Programming Guide data, are delivered over IP. However, the vast majority of content, including Pay Per View (PPV), is provided over a standard broadcast video signal which carries both analog and digital content up to 870 MHz.

Website: www22.verizon.com/Content/FiOSTV

Subscribers: 1.3 million (as of 7/2/08) Source: Informationweek

Cost: Order FiOS TV Premier and receive First Month Free and No Activation Fee. Starts at $37.99 a month.

Availability: 16 states. Source: Fiberexperts

TV Features:

100% fiber optic network
On Demand - Instant access to a library of the latest blockbuster movies, kids shows, sports programs and much more at a touch of a button.
HD channels - More of a selection to watch all your favorite channels like ESPN, Discovery, TNT and more - all in amazing high definition.
Picture and sound - Amazingly lifelike picture, hyper-real color and flawless sound.
Dual-tuner DVR - Gives you the freedom to pause and rewind live TV, record one show while watching another, and fast forward to your favorite part.
Top premium channels - When you subscribe to one of our premium services like HBO and Cinemax you can select from current favorites to original programming, 24 hours a day.
International channels - Stay connected to your homeland or the world with more than a dozen popular international premium channels including, RAI (Italian), TV5 (French), ART (Arabic), TV Japan (Japanese).

July 17th, 2009
"The company has announced two new initiatives this week to bring Internet-based content to its FiOS TV service: Widget Bazaar and Internet Video on TV."
Source: Arstechnica

Vudu

Website: www.vudu.com

VUDU has arrived. The revolutionary VUDU box and service deliver instant access to thousands of movies and TV shows directly through the television, without requiring a computer or cable/satellite TV service.

VUDU CEO and industry leader Mark Jung oversees VUDU's team of consumer electronics and technology veterans from TiVo, WebTV, Openwave, 2Wire, Slim Devices, OpenTV, NeXT, and Danger. First conceptualized in 2004, the company operated in a stealth mode for over two years as it systematically honed every facet of the product to ensure that it delivered upon the consumer dream.

VUDU has struck unprecedented deals with every major studio and more than twenty independent and international distributors to offer approximately five thousand movies, HD films, and TV shows. Via their broadband Internet connection, VUDU users have the ability, on a studio-specific basis, to rent or buy titles and begin viewing them instantly.

Director of content development used to run GreenCine
They have 40 content partners including studios, indie distribs, LGBT
They offer Hi Def content
Their service utilizes a set-top boxes sold in Best Buy. They have sold tens of thousands so far.
They are the only service other than Blu Ray to offer 1080p. 1080p is the shorthand name for a category of display resolutions. The number "1080" represents 1,080 lines of vertical resolution,[1] while the letter p stands for progressive scan (meaning the image is not interlaced). 1080p can referred to as full HD or full high definition to differentiate it from other HDTV video modes.[2] The term usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a horizontal resolution of 1920 pixels. This creates a frame resolution of 1920×1080, or 2,073,600 pixels in total. The frame rate in Hertz can be either implied by the context or specified after the letter p, such as 1080p30, meaning 30 Hz.
In addition to the meaning of 1080p as a display resolution, 1080p is also used to describe video equipment capabilities. Use of 1080p and the closely related 1080i labels in consumer products may refer to a range of capabilities. For example, video equipment that upscales to 1080p takes lower resolution material and reformats it for a higher resolution display. The image that results is different from the display of original 1080p source material on a native 1080p capable display. Similarly, equipment capable of displaying both 720p and 1080i may in fact not have the capability to display 1080p or 1080i material at full resolution. It is common for this material to be downscaled to the native capability of the equipment. The term "native 1080p capable" is sometimes used to refer to equipment capable of rendering 1080p fully.

February 24th, 2009
"VUDU, Inc., … has achieved another industry milestone by becoming the first on-demand service to offer high definition movies for download to own on its popular 1080p Internet Movie Player."
Source: Vudu

June 6th, 2009
"VUDU Inc. …today announced that the VUDU service is the first to offer titles from Buena Vista Home Entertainment for download-to-own in high definition."
Source: Vudu

July 15th, 2009
"Mitsubishi TVs Coming With Free Vudu Boxes"
Source: High Def Digest

Vuse

Website: blog.vuze.com

From their website:

Our goal is simple: Empower you to watch your content on any screen you want.

Some other companies have taken a different approach by confining their content to a single screen. We believe this is short-sighted. Companies win by listening to you and delivering the products and services you want.

Technology is increasingly making it possible to view HD entertainment on all the screens in your life: PC /Mac, mobile, and TV. In our research, you’ve expressed a strong desire to watch your entertainment anytime, anywhere, on any screen. Vuze is working to deliver on this vision.

But enough with the vision thing. The real magic lies in the simplicity of Vuze device support. Devices simply appear in the Vuze sidebar when they’re available. All you have to do is drag-and-drop to the device of your choice, and prepare to watch your content anywhere you want.

Wolfe

Website: wolfereleasing.com

Wolfe Releasing has a deal with Warner Brothers for all its queer content and also to aggregate Queer/LGBT content in general and output through Warner Brothers' digital distribution services that feed over 80,000,000 homes for Satellite and Cable VOD and also feed iTunes, Xbox, Sony Playstation and many other platforms. Wolfe is dealing with Netflix's Watch Now program and Hulu directly as well as other digital platforms. [Disclosure: Wolfe is a client of New American Vision.]

Update: Please note: Warner Brothers takes a fee before Wolfe takes its Fee and the preference is usually for English language cinema. (1/15/10)

YouTube

Website: www.youtube.com

The No.1 site for online video. Accounts for 31.3 percent of all online
video being watched. YouTube is worldwide. YouTube accounts for 73% of the visits to online video sites in the US according to Hitswise in April 2008
Owned by Google. Just did a deal with TiVo. They are now focused on monetizing content.
According to YouTube they get over 1 million unique downloads per day. Over 150,000 videos are uploaded onto the site daily.
Now setting up a virtual screening room to bring indie film to global audience, and tagging ads to content hence revenue generating and also curated
Traffic far exceeds other sites — According to Nielsen//NetRatings, YouTube attracted 68 million unique users in May who streamed 3.8 billion videos, making it by far the most popular video brand on the Internet. Fox Interactive Media, which includes MySpace, was second with 18 million unique users and 328 million video streams.
showing Miranda July's Are You the Favorite Person of Anybody and an Oscar nominated short, "I Met The Walrus" about an interview with John Lennon etc..
Filmmakers can choose to have a "Buy Now" button attached to their work for sales of DVDs of digital copies.
Filmmakers will get a majority of the share of ad revenue those terms are not disclosed till an NDA is signed.

April 9, 2009
"UMG and YouTube, a Google subsidiary, are working together to launch VEVO, a music and video entertainment service that will feature UMG’s premium video content…In addition to VEVO, YouTube has renewed and extended its successful partnership with UMG that allows users to continue creating and watching user-generated videos containing UMG sound recordings and Universal Music Publishing Group’s compositions on YouTube through various territories around the world."
Source: YouTube

Top Ten Digital Distribution Tips to Filmmakers

For those filmmakers new to digital distribution, we offer the following ten tips for how to read the information below and sort through the myriad of offerings.

This is a rapidly changing and confusing landscape with lots of options but only a few good ones–some DIY and some that require you to go through distribution.

From a revenue-generating point of view, at present, those who deal in the space will tell you that at this time iTunes is the #1 platform; that Hulu is working well for some but not for all; and that Netflix's "Watch Now" is starting to show promise. Some platforms are subscription based, some are transactional, and some are ad-tagged revenue-based. There are new platforms in the works or just launching (such as the one Gigantic just announced) and plenty of DIY solutions as well via social networking online and smaller platforms. And sometimes a hybrid of the two not is only a doable solution but actually an ideal one, especially for smaller special-interest films.

Several companies have plans that are in the works that will have a significant effect on the status quo. Wikipedia, for example, is going to have VIDEO, and who knows what they will do with it. The major cable companies/telecoms were joining together via something called Canoe and Infinity, which would dramatically open up the pipelines of Cable VOD and control at least 65% of the marketplace. However, they project has been put on hold until technological conditions are more favorable. Source: Multichannel.

Choosing a platform. Some platforms can only be accessed via Self Distribution (e.g. CreateSpace) while others can only be accessed via an aggregator (e.g. iTunes, which at the moment is by far the greatest revenue generating platform in the digital distribution space). Some aggregators are better than others. And some distributors and aggregators take lower fees than others. Choosing the best platform/portal for your film must be done with care and must also take into account the type of film it is and its overall release plan.
Digital platforms are like online visual media stores. For this reason I think one should be very mistrustful if a company asks for exclusive license rights. (By way of comparison, such a request from a brick-and-mortar video store such as Blockbuster would be occasional at best, and then they would pay a lot for that and it would only be for a short window of time, such as six (6) months). A good thing to find out is the extent to which any given platform or distributor licensing to platforms have marketing tools and/or commitments in place—will doing a deal with them be like having your film in the basement of a crap dvd store in a strip mall in Iowa (no offense to Iowans), or, will it be like having it on the shelves facing out in a big chain with some advertising, or will it be somewhere in between? One must analyze one's investment of time and costs in doing delivery before committing to any distribution option.
Hybrid distribution. Sometimes a hybrid model of self-distribution and going through distribution is the best option, depending on the film, its target audiences and the filmmaker's time and interest in committing it. It's wise to consider options and learn more about these possibilities before licensing rights away if the financial terms are not lucrative enough. Peter Broderick has written a lot about the Old World and New World–his writing is available on indiewire.com
Think before you put all your eggs in one basket. Rights licensing nowadays is very tricky. Broadcasters and home video distributors sometimes want competing rights, and sometimes distributors want all rights and yet won't exploit them all. It's prudent to analyze options and the possibility of breaking up rights and windows and explore available options with people who have had experience with this and can help you. I am always happy to help. Consult with someone who is up-to-date with industry standards and guidelines and rights definitions but most of all, someone who is experienced with revenue models and windows and all the possibilities in negotiations.
Aim for flexibility when negotiating your contract. It's critical that one's contract contain language that covers a wide range of contingencies and possibilities in a rapidly changing and unpredictable landscape…plan for changing revenue models, companies to go out of business, and rights classes/categories to shift and have your contract drafted accordingly. There is nothing you cannot protect yourself from in a contract, as long as you are reasonable, and no honest distributor will expect you not to cover yourself.
Revenue Streams/Revenue Models: It’s hard to be certain which revenue streams and revenue models will win out, if any do…so one recommends assuming all may be important down the line and being careful to advantageously participate in all, as directly as possible, and based on revenue generated and the revenue model (i.e. subscription, ad-supported, transactional ("download-to-own"), rental models), not based on technology or way distributors try to lump all rights together. Also, keep in mind that Netflix has deals in which it puts its films onto Sony Playstation and Xbox; that several studios just announced that they are are doing deals with a new download-to-own store from DivX (NSDQ: DIVX) and the site FreshFilm.com such that their movies will be playable on millions of DivX enabled devices; that the mobile device distribution space is just opening up (e.g. Blockbuster announced a deal with Motorola) in the US and yet it’s much bigger already in Asia; that there are rumors that Amazon may buy Netflix; and that YouTube may start to charge for viewing films… all these tings suggest that the future cannot be predicted as far as which platforms or companies will ultimately have the widest reach, down the line. Prepare for the future. Think ahead.
Ask questions. There are a few aggregators and lots of distributors so before committing yourself, weigh your options, and ask lots of questions. Start with some of the ones below:
Ask for references.
Mitigate the middlemen. Ask for revenue potentials and examine how many layers of middlemen there are between the distributor/aggregator and the platforms that you most want to be on, assuming that you cannot go direct (which often is the case). Make sure distributors are not going through too many middlemen, or selling to themselves and double dipping, or simply offering to do something on your behalf that you could not do yourself.
Recoup your expenses. Get clear about expenses being recouped and also marketing efforts that either you or your distributor or both need to undertake to have your film be known to have some traction.

Before you make your deal, keep checking the Digital Distribution Guide…we are adding information on an ongoing basis and we’ll add more commentary as well as source information from the platforms themselves and sometimes trade articles and coverage too from press specifically covering this landscape.

Last but not least–since I did cover Wolfe below please note I will be updating the Digital Distribution Guide to reflect what I know of the activities of other LGBT distributors in the space, and I will address which platforms are accepting shorts. I hear iTunes has scaled back dramatically.

Other platforms not included in the above:

ReelZChannel announced a new free VOD component to its cable and satellite television network

Akimbo though I thought they were going out of business seems to be an Outfest sponsor — www.akimbo.com

Veoh Networks — an online video service that competes with the Google's YouTube & Fox's Hulu. Its funded by Intel, Adobe Systems and private equity. It has relationships with CBS, MTV, and FearNet (a joint venture between Comcast, LionsGate, and Sony). It boasts 28 million users. Connects PC to TV it is enjoying 30,000 installations daily. Very powerful Board.

Hewlett Packard had invested over 60 million dollars to try to do MOD, EST, and DTO with WalMart, TransMedia etc.. but that venture shut down.

Jaman www.jaman.com — they just did a deal with Paramountm First Look, Magnolia and most recently Lions Gate. I have not done a deal with them yet. I have understood that for art house titles (deals done by sales agents for example) revenues have not yet flowed. Jaman is part of a deal with TiVo (CinemaNow also part of this deal). Titles rent for as low as $1.99 and some shorts are free.

I did not address iTunes above because everyone knows about Apple's platform, and they won't go direct with filmmakers almost ever and are not direct with most smaller distributors but for shorts Shorts International has a deal with them. Many others get to iTunes through an aggregator, depending. iTunes is expanding its library and trying to go day-and-date with DVD releases. Wolfe Releasing for example has a deal with Warner Brothers that aggregates lgbt content for Warner Brother's VOD services and its digital distribution deals that includes iTunes.

Pando — has been installed by 18 million in more than 150 countries but not sure they do film

Vuse — boasted 18 million unique client downloads in its first year with 500,000 new downloads per week. Its 150 content partners supply video, games, music, anime. It was previously called Azureus.

And there are sooooo many more!

From Wall Street Journal article about PC connecting to TV

July 24, 2008

(this space is changing extremely fast, but here are clippings of some recent coverage on it for now).

So in a bid to solve his file-format problems, he pre-ordered an upcoming device called a ZvBox. The gadget, from ZeeVee Inc. of Littleton, Mass., connects to a PC and the home's existing cable wiring. The device then displays whatever is on the PC screen onto an unused TV channel -- which can be viewed from any cable-connected TV in the home. ZeeVee expects to start shipping the $500 device July 31.

ZeeVee is just one of a number of startup companies that will be introducing set-top boxes or software in the coming weeks that will let consumers see on TV their digital photos, videos and other content from their personal computers or the Internet. While Internet-connected set-top boxes have been available for years, the companies say these latest products are sleeker, more affordable and easier to use. And many of the newer technologies claim to work with far more digital formats that existing devices.

Still, there are limits to these new set-top boxes. There are myriad formats and encryption methods for videos on the Web and on computers, meaning some videos may still not be accessible. And there's plenty of competition in the field, furthering the confusion.

Device makers are trying to tap into a small but growing market for Internet-enabled set-top boxes. The number of households with a device enabling Internet video on their TV is expected to increase world-wide to 300 million in 2012 from about 45 million last year, according to IMS Research.

Perhaps more important, they are responding to a desire among consumers to combine activities conducted online with watching television. A 2007 survey from market researcher Yankee Group found that nearly 62% of all people surf the Web on their computers while watching TV. But among 13- to 17-year-olds, the percentage is 73%; of the viewers between ages 18 and 24, 72% surf while watching TV, according to the survey.

Another set-top technology expected to be released this summer is from Icron Technologies Corp. The Burnaby, Canada, company plans to sell a chipset to set-top box manufacturers and others that connects to the computer's high-speed USB port to display the PC screen on a TV set. The box would transmit the data wirelessly or over the electrical wiring in the home. Robert Eisses, chief executive of Icron, says a device using the chipset should sell for about $300.

The Pod by Verismo Networks

And a set-top box called the Pod bypasses the PC altogether, for those who mainly want to watch Web video. It will allow viewers to search the Internet and stream online videos directly onto their TV sets. Made by Verismo Networks Inc. of Mountain View, Calif., the Pod is expected to be available in August for $99. Prakash Bhalerao, the start-up's chief executive, says the Pod comes with a program guide and search functions to help viewers find and play almost any video on the Internet.

Instead of set-top hardware, some companies are introducing software that lets viewers use a remote control to easily see their videos when their PC is connected to their television.

A New York-based start-up named Boxee last month started letting consumers download a version of its free software for Apple Inc.'s Macintosh computers. Consumers who download the software and connect their computer to the TV using a special cable can play personal digital content, such as movies and music, as well as see content on the Web. Boxee says its software will be available on PCs running Windows later this year.

Similar to Boxee is OSXBMC, a free, open-source software program designed for Macs. In April, Chris Pirvan, a San Francisco-based engineer, downloaded OSXBMC and installed it onto a Mac mini, a compact and low-cost personal computer that is connected to his TV. Mr. Pirvan says he mainly wants to access digital copies of television shows he has stored on a connected storage device as well as Google Inc.'s popular video site YouTube.

Developers of Boxee and OSXBMC, which this month was rebranded Plex, say the programs play more formats than rival products directly from Apple, such as Front Row and Apple TV. Apple declined to comment for this article.

For those who already subscribe to set-top services, expansion to the Internet is on the way. TiVo Inc., which makes digital video recorders, has also been steadily adding Web content to its set-top boxes since the start of this year, including YouTube, which it added last week. In March, TiVo released its Desktop Plus software for $25 that when installed on a PC can translate many formats of Internet video to play on TiVo and then send it to the set-top box.

Netflix Player by Roku

Netflix Inc. and Vudu Inc. both use set-top boxes to stream movies over the Internet to a subscribers' television, but the titles are restricted to the companies' movie databases. This month, Netflix and Microsoft Corp. inked a deal where owners of the Xbox 360 can use the videogame console to stream movies and other programming from the Internet to their TVs.

Research still indicates that the idea of connecting a PC to the TV seems a daunting and cumbersome task for most consumers. According to a 2007 study of 2000 U.S. homes conducted by Parks Associates, a market researcher, just 2.5% had a PC connected to a TV in the living room.

That's one of the reasons television manufacturers are making the sets themselves Internet accessible. Companies such as Panasonic Corp. of North America, Sony Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. in recent months have added Web content to their Internet-connected TVs. Panasonic launched a series of flat-panel TVs in May that can access YouTube. Since the start of the year, Sony has added YouTube and CBS to its list of Internet offerings for TV owners.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS:

We will develop this later in the Fall but for now please note the following terms related to digital distribution and the IFTA (International Film and Television Alliance) Internet and Wireless contract definitions that are very useful:

Transactional

"Transactional" refers to money being paid to view or own the film, such as on iTunes.

Ad-Supported

"Ad-Supported" refers to when films are free to view (such as Hulu and Snag) but ads are inserted.

Subscription Model

"Subscription Model" refers to services such as Netflix.

IFTA® Internet and Wireless Rider Definitions

Internet and Wireless Rights Definitions:

Internet Rights

Internet Rights means Internet Downloading or Internet Streaming exploitation of a Motion Picture. Internet Rights do not include Wireless Rights nor any form of PayPerView, Video, Pay TV or Free TV exploitation of a Motion Picture.

Internet Downloading

Internet Downloading means exploitation of a digital Motion Picture Copy by making it available on the Internet in a substantially linear manner that allows its transmission to a Computer for making another exact digital copy of the Motion Picture Copy and retaining the new digital copy for use for more than a transient period of time after completion of the initial continuous period of transmission. Internet Downloading does not include any form of Internet Streaming.

Internet Streaming

Internet Streaming means exploitation of a digital Motion Picture Copy by making it available on the Internet in a manner that allows continuous viewing of the Motion Picture Copy on a Computer in a substantially linear form simultaneously with the transmission of such Motion Picture Copy over the Internet but which does not allow making another digital copy except for a transient period of time necessary to facilitate such viewing. Internet Streaming does not include any form of Internet Downloading.

Internet Streaming/Downloading

Internet Streaming/Downloading means exploitation of a digital Motion Picture. Copy by making it available on the Internet for both Internet Downloading and Internet Streaming at substantially the same time.

Wireless Rights

Wireless Rights means Wireless Downloading or Wireless Streaming exploitation of a Motion Picture. Wireless Rights do not include Internet Rights nor any form of PayPerView, Video, Pay TV or Free TV exploitation of a Motion Picture.

Wireless Downloading

Wireless Downloading means exploitation of a digital Motion Picture Copy by making it available on a wireless system in a substantially linear manner that allows its transmission to a Handheld Device for making another exact digital copy of the Motion Picture Copy and retaining the new digital copy for use for more than a transient period of time after completion of the initial continuous period of transmission. Wireless Downloading does not include any form of Wireless Streaming.

Wireless Streaming

Wireless Streaming means exploitation of a digital Motion Picture Copy by making it available on a wireless system in a substantially linear manner that allows continuous viewing of the Motion Picture Copy on a Handheld Device but which does not allow making another digital copy except for a transient period of time necessary to facilitate such viewing. Wireless Streaming does not include any form of Wireless Downloading.

Wireless Streaming/Downloading

Wireless Streaming/Downloading means exploitation of a digital Motion Picture. Copy by making it available on a wireless system for both Wireless Downloading and Wireless Streaming at substantially the same time.

Internet and Wireless Use Definitions:

Advertiser Supported

Advertiser Supported means making a Motion Picture Copy available on the Internet or wireless system for accessing, downloading or streaming, by either: (i) including trailers, commercials or other advertising before, after, or within the continuity of the Motion Picture Copy; or (ii) including banners, logos, icons, text, hyper-text, meta-tags, symbols or other identifying information of a product or service or a supplier of such product or service provider on the same web page or viewing screen as the Motion Picture Copy or any of its elements or identifying information.

Limited Use

Limited Use means authorizing accessing, streaming or downloading, as applicable, of a Motion Picture Copy on the Internet or wireless system by a user who is required to pay a separate fee to obtain a limited right to use a new digital copy of a Motion Picture Copy in a substantially linear manner that may be accessed and viewed, but not further copied, subject to express limitations as to either the number of accesses or viewings, the period of access or viewing, or both (e.g. unlimited viewing for x days, or x viewings maximum, or x viewings within y days).

Permanent Use

Permanent Use means authorizing downloading of a Motion Picture Copy in a substantially linear manner on the Internet or wireless system by a user who is required to pay a separate fee to obtain ownership of new digital copy of the Motion Picture Copy which new copy may be used and viewed, but not further copied, without express limitations as to the number of uses and viewings and the time period of so doing.

Single Use

Single Use means authorizing accessing, streaming or downloading, as applicable, of a Motion Picture Copy in a substantially linear manner on the Internet or wireless system by a user who is required to pay a separate fee for each single act of accessing, streaming or downloading the Motion Picture Copy in whole or in part.

Subscription Use

Subscription Use means authorizing accessing, streaming or downloading, as applicable, of a Motion Picture Copy in a substantially linear manner on the Internet or wireless system by a user who is required to pay a set fee for a specified period to access, stream or download, as applicable, the embodied Motion Picture along with other Motion Pictures available in the same manner on the same web site or wireless system.

Internet and Wireless Rights Terminology

Access

Access means to make available a Motion Picture Copy on the Internet or wireless system in a manner that allows a user to copy, view, stream, download or use, or to obtain data or information about or related to, the Motion Picture Copy or its embodied Motion Picture.

Computer

Computer means an electronic device that accepts a Motion Picture Copy in digital form and allows its viewing or manipulation in response to a sequence of instructions where the type and order of the instructions can be defined, selected and entered by the user of the Computer. A Computer includes desktops, notebooks and laptops and excludes VCR, DVR, DVD, set top box players or recorders and Handheld Devices.

Digital Rights Management

Digital Rights Management means a sequence of software or hardware instructions embodied in, related to or activated by a Motion Picture Copy that controls or manages copying, viewing, altering, or accessing the Motion Picture, its content or elements or associated Rights Management Information.

Download

Download means to make available a Motion Picture Copy on the Internet or wireless system in a manner that allows its transmission to a Computer or Handheld Device for making another exact digital copy of the Motion Picture Copy and retaining such copy for use for more than a transient period of time after completion of the initial continuous period of transmission. Download includes downloading.

DRM

DRM means Digital Rights Management.

Handheld Device

Handheld Device means a mobile electronic device a substantial purpose of which is facilitating telephonic or text communication, digital photography or data storage and which customarily fits in a human hand, and which incorporates functionality that allows viewing of a Motion Picture Copy. Handheld Device includes personal mobile phones, personal digital assistants and other similar devices, but does not include a Computer.

Internet

Internet means the interconnected facilities of a publicly available packet-switching communications system that allows the user of a computing device to engage in two-way transmissions over the system through which the user obtains access to a Motion Picture Copy stored in digital form at a place distant from the place where the user’s computing device is located.

Rights Management/Information Rights Management

Information means any information embodied, attached, related or appearing in or on a Motion Picture Copy that may include a copyright notice or other identifier, that identifies the copyright owner, producer, author, writer, director, performers or other Persons who have contributed to the making of the Motion Picture, or that describes any authorized terms and conditions for licensing or use of the Motion Picture or the Motion Picture Copy.

Stream

Stream means to make available a Motion Picture Copy on the Internet or wireless system in a manner that allows continuous viewing of the Motion Picture Copy in substantially linear form on a Computer or Handheld Device simultaneously with the transmission of such Motion Picture Copy over the Internet or wireless system but which does not allow making another digital copy except for a transient period of time necessary to facilitate such viewing. Stream includes streaming.

Wireless system

Wireless system means a system of integrated telecommunications facilities that allow system subscribers to access an over-the-air digital signal embodying a Motion Picture Copy on a Handheld Device.

New Media Terminology From The IFTA New Media Guide

IFTA promulgates the IFTA International Schedule of Definitions. These standard definitions are used worldwide in connection with the IFTA Model International Licensing Agreements, and IFTA Model Sales Agency Agreements, as well as the IFTA Rider. The separate distribution rights (Cinematic, PayPerView, PayTV, Free TV, Internet and Wireless Rights) are clearly defined in the IFTA International Schedule of Definitions, but in a rapidly evolving marketplace, buyers worldwide may refer to new media platforms or formats using terms which are not currently included in IFTA’s Standard Definitions or which are not familiar to the Licensor.

Below we discuss and describe emerging platforms and terms and identify where they may fit in the IFTA Rights and Definitions, enabling the Licensor to grant the appropriate rights for new media exploitation by the Distributor. Once again, Sales Agents should confirm that Producers are obtaining adequate new media rights before production of the Picture so that the Sales Agent can secure distribution for the Picture on behalf of the Producer.

Terminology (In alphabetical order)

Avatars

Avatars are computerized (and possibly animated) representations of logos, objects or individuals, such as film or television characters or the user himself, that can be one, two or three-dimensional and are controlled in an online community like Second Life or MySpace. Avatars are being used to promote Pictures and Programs in a variety of ways. For example, MySpace features movie avatars that users are able to send to one another, creating viral user-generated marketing. Companies are using avatars on websites to provide information to customers and to promote and sell products. To promote “The Spirit,” Lionsgate allowed users to create avatars when they entered the Picture’s website, and to promote “The Simpsons Movie,” Fox allowed users to create their own Simpsons-Avatar.

Blu-Ray Disc

Blu-Ray Disc is an optical Disc format that enables the recording, rewriting and playback of content in high definition utilizing a blue-violet laser with a shorter wavelength to read the Disc than that of a traditional DVD. Blu-Ray Disc is not expressly included under the IFTA¨ Standard Definitions of DVD. However, if the IFTA¨ Standard Definitions apply and Blu-Ray Disc (which is the format adopted by the U.S. industry) is considered by the parties to be a successor to either DVD or HD DVD, distribution by Blu-Ray Disc would be included in the grant of Home Video Rights.

DTO

Download-to-Own

DVB-H

DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting to a Handheld Device) is a format used for delivering broadcast services to Handheld Devices. DVB-H technology is largely based on DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial), which is used for digital terrestrial television, but has additional features specifically intended for Handheld Devices. The broadcast services are adapted to accommodate the limited battery life of Handheld Devices and the different environments in which Handheld Devices operate. DVB-H offers downstream channels at high data rates that can be played in live streams or downloaded and stored in a buffer. DVB-H provides considerable power savings by using “time-slicing,” a technique in which bursts of data are received periodically thereby allowing the receiver to power off when the Handheld Device is inactive. A specification similar to DVB-H also exists for Satellite Services to Handheld Devices (DVB-SH), which enables audio, video and data services to be delivered to Handheld Devices using hybrid satellite/terrestrial networks that use S-band spectrum.

DVD

DVD means a digitally encoded electronic storage device that conforms to one of the following: (1) the DVD Specification for Read-Only Disc, version 1 (August 1996) or its successor; (2) the DVD Multi Specification for Read-Only Disc, version 1 (June 2001) or its successor; or (3) the HD DVD Specification for Read-Only Disc, version 1 (September 2005) or its successor; and that is designed for use in conjunction with an electronic device or Computer in a way that causes a Motion Picture to be visible for private viewing on the screen of a computer monitor or television. DVD includes Digital Versatile Discs, High Definition DVDs, and related DVD enabled peripherals such as DVD-ROM devices and DVD-RAM devices, but does not include any type of Compact Disc or VideoDisc. IFTA Standard Definitions (Version 2005).

EST

EST (Electronic Sell Thru), used by some Distributors, is broad, ambiguous and susceptible to multiple interpretations. For example, the term could include “download to burn” or “manufacture on demand” DVD services such as those offered by EZTakes and CreateSpace. The term could also refer to Permanent or Limited Use Downloads to Computers, Handheld Devices, Video iPods and other electronic media. It could also mean Streaming and conceivably even PayPerView services through digital cable. From the Licensor’s perspective, the term fails to define either a distribution right (i.e., Internet Downloading, Wireless Streaming), an Authorized Use (i.e., Permanent Use, Limited Use), or a clear financial model (see FAQ #2). Thus, the Distribution Agreement should identify and define the specific rights and uses that are being licensed (and financial terms thereof) and reserve all other rights. For clear definitions of Internet and Wireless Downloading and Streaming and the Authorized Uses, please refer to the IFTA Internet and Wireless Rider.

ETTH

ETTH (Ethernet to the Home) is a technology for local area networks that provide high speed data access over cable. The local area networks generally operate within a single building and the connecting devices are in close proximity. Modern technology has enabled ethernet networks to span greater distances than previous ethernet networks, which allows geographically dispersed locations to be connected. Distribution by ETTH is likely to be included in the grant of cable television rights.

FOD

Free on Demand

FTTH

FTTH (Fiber to the Home) is a form of fiber optic communication delivery in which the usual copper local loop distribution network is replaced by fiber optic cabling technology and information is transmitted through a thin glass fiber. With FTTH, the optical signal reaches the end user’s living or office space. In contrast, FTTB (Fiber to the Building) 15 refers to when the fiber optic ends at the private property enclosing the home or business of the user, and another method, such as copper loops, is used for transmitting the communication to the user’s living or office space. Distribution by FTTH is likely to be included in the grant of cable television and/or Internet rights.

FTTP and FTTB

FTTH and FTTB are collectively referred to as FTTP (Fiber to the Premises).

HD DVD

HD DVD is an optical Disc format similar to a standard DVD, but capable of holding about three times as much data utilizing a blue-violet laser to read the Disc. The IFTA Standard Definitions include HD DVD16 under Home Video Rights, and it is included under the definition of DVD. Note that hybrid DVD/HD DVDs are also available, which allow a consumer to purchase a single Disc that would be compatible with either player.

IPTV

Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) is a system where digital television is delivered to a defined user group using Internet Protocol over a secure closed network infrastructure via broadband connection usually in PayPerView or Pay TV windows. IPTV offers a high level of interactivity and allows the viewer to receive television content on-demand on a subscription basis through any form of computer or software-based media player, which may then be viewed on a Computer or portable media device, or transmitted to the viewer’s television set via a set-top box. IPTV is personalized to the user and can deliver both live TV (multicasting) as well as stored video (Demand View or Download for Permanent Use). Distribution via IPTV may have different windows of exploitation and revenue models and should be distinguished from other forms of online video services and Internet TV. For more information on IPTV see Page 22 of this Guide.

IPVOD

Internet Protocol Video on Demand

Internet Television/Internet TV

Internet television is an open platform for distribution where Pictures or Programs may also be broadcast on a P2P network (i.e., P2PTV) allowing users to contribute content via a streaming service from a central server. Internet television allows content to be distributed directly to a large audience with almost no geographical limitations. Internet TV websites such as www.veoh.com, www.joost.com, www.dnastream.tv, or www.babelgum.com, just to name a few, are free online video services that provide licensed content (Pictures and Programs), user-generated content and/or original Internet branded programs.

It is important to note the difference between IPTV and other forms of online video services over the Internet such as broadcast and cable TV network websites such as ABC.com and comedycentral.com, Internet TV such as Veoh.com and Joost.com, and other online video services. Such services are not IPTV, which is usually based on a Subscription model to a closed distribution system. Internet TV is usually Advertiser Supported with the Licensors sharing the ad revenues. Some Internet TV services, such as www.nextnewnetworks.com, offer only Internet branded content such as scripted series, reality programs, and other forms of programming. The services are often Advertiser Supported and free to users. While many of these Internet TV services do not presently provide licensed content, they may provide additional and inexpensive marketing opportunities and potential distribution streams in the future.

MOD

Manufacture on Demand

P2PTV

P2PTV (Peer-to-Peer Television) refers to peer-to-peer (P2P) software applications that allow users to redistribute video streams in real time on a P2P network as opposed to receiving data from a central server. A P2PTV system allows users to Download a video stream while simultaneously uploading that stream to other users. To receive a certain channel, the P2PTV software contacts a “tracker server” for that channel and obtains the addresses of peers who distribute that channel and then contacts them to receive the feed. The tracker records the user’s address, which can then be given to other users seeking to view the same channel effectively making the user a re-broadcaster. Users can also broadcast their own streams with some applications. This process creates an overlay network on top of the regular Internet for the distribution of real-time video content. By sharing data delivery workloads, distributing video streams is more cost effective than traditional television broadcasting.

Telephonic Rights

Recently, some Distributors have requested “telephonic rights.” Telephonic rights is a general term not defined in the IFTA¨ Rider. The Distributor requesting “telephonic rights” may be requesting Internet and Wireless Licensed Rights. These separate rights may be grouped together and called “IP distribution” or “telephonic rights” or some other term. The important issue is how these systems are defined and utilized for the exploitation of the content. The IFTA¨ Rider provides clear definitions for Internet and Wireless Licensed Rights.

SVOD

Subscription Video on Demand

UMD

UMD (Universal Media Disc) is an optical Disc format developed by and proprietary to Sony for use with the PlayStation Portable. The primary application for the UMD format is as a storage medium for PSP games, although the format to a lesser degree is being used as storage for preloaded motion pictures and television shows. One example is that the BBC is releasing some of its television programming on UMD to be played on the PlayStation. The UMD format is specifically made to be compatible with a PlayStation Portable device and is not intended at this time to be compatible to DVD players or similar devices.

VOD

Video On Demand

Widgets

Widgets are computer programs that can be placed on a website, blog or personalized start page and allow users to interface with an application and the operating system. They are viral in nature and can be used to drive traffic to distribution platforms. Widgets are also being used to establish more regular contact between buyers and sellers by allowing the seller to regularly reach the buyer’s computer screen with its Pictures and Programs. Widgets can be used to display video content, such as movie trailers and other forms of advertising, providing another way to engage with fans and market to a broader audience. Any consumer who has the widget can share and download the widget directly through the site.

A Note regarding IPTV

IPTV is a growing platform worldwide predicted to produce billions of dollars in revenue for content licensing. In its 2008 IPTV report, Multimedia Research Group stated that the global IPTV subscriber base is projected to increase from 20.4 million in 2008 to 89.1 million in 2012.

IPTV services and partnerships are being established worldwide. In Europe, ITV and BT are teaming up with the BBC to create an open industry standard for VOD IPTV on set-top boxes that will allow all Licensors to distribute their shows and widgets. The BBC separately introduced a new interactive IPTV service that runs on Microsoft’s Mediaroom platform, which includes live and on-demand content, user-generated content and social networking capabilities.

Grant of Rights

IPTV distribution is a good example of a combination grant of new media and traditional rights, since it can utilize broadband, Internet protocol and television distribution systems. When negotiating the grant of rights for IPTV, Licensor and Distributor must first determine whether IPTV distribution will encompass a PayPerView, Pay TV, Free TV and/or Internet distribution right. The IFTA Rider may be used in conjunction with IFTA¨ Multiple Rights Agreement (4th Edition) to grant these rights. The parties should designate the window and financial model and outline security concerns. If granting the right to distribute via an IPTV system, any exclusivity issues must also be resolved with respect to coordinating the PayPerView, Pay TV and Free TV windows.

Commentary IFTA Internet And Wireless Rider (Revised February 2009)

In advance of AFM 2006, IFTA issued an IFTA Internet and Wireless Rider (Version 2006) which includes the IFTA Internet and Wireless Standard Terms and Definitions, as well as three options for Deal Terms: 1) the IFTA Internet Licensed Rights Deal Terms, 2) the IFTA Wireless Licensed Rights Deal Terms, and 3) the IFTA Internet and Wireless Licensed Rights Deal Terms (the version contained in this Guide). The Standard Terms and Definitions may be used with all three variations of the Deal Terms. For example, if the Licensor elects to grant Internet Licensed Rights only, it would use the IFTA Internet Licensed Rights Deal Terms with the IFTA Internet and Wireless Standard Terms and Definitions. If the Licensor elects to grant both the Internet and Wireless Licensed Rights, it would use the IFTA Internet and Wireless Licensed Rights Deal Terms and the IFTA Internet and Wireless Rider Standard Terms and Definitions.

With these options, the Licensor will be able to select which Deal Terms are appropriate for its individual deals. In all cases, the IFTA Internet and Wireless Standard Terms and Definitions should be attached and the Standard Terms and Definitions for both the Internet and Wireless Licensed Rights provided. This is similar to the IFTA International Multiple Rights Agreement, which utilizes one set of Standard Terms and Definitions for all Licensed Rights even though the Deal Terms may grant only certain types of distribution rights (i.e., Cinematic, Video, Television, etc.).

The IFTA Internet Licensed Rights Deal Terms and the IFTA Internet and Wireless Rider Standard Terms and Definitions (Version 2006) replace the IFTA Internet Rider (Version 2005) and its Standard Terms and Definitions. There are a number of changes in the applicable language between the IFTA Internet Rider (Version 2005) and the IFTA Internet and Wireless Rider (Version 2006). One substantive change is the addition of Paragraph 3.9, which provides for the Promotional Use of Clips and Trailers. Additionally, Paragraphs 8.1. and 8.2. were revised so that the Licensor is able to suspend the Licensed Rights if the conditions of Paragraph 2. are not met and withdraw the rights in certain situations in order to accommodate a worldwide license. Lastly, the definition of Internet is no longer limited to the “World Wide Web” portion of the Internet and you may want to delete this limitation if you are utilizing another version of the IFTA Definitions.

The IFTA Wireless Licensed Rights Deal Terms and the IFTA Internet and Wireless Standard Terms are added to the IFTA Model International Licensing Agreements (4th Edition). This Rider clearly defines Internet and Wireless Licensed Rights, Authorized Uses, and the conditions the Distributor must meet and demonstrate to the Licensor before and during exercise of the Internet or Wireless Licensed Rights.

Apple TV

Amazon CreateSpace / Amazon Video On Demand

AT&T U-Verse

Atom Films

Babelgum

BitTorrent

B-Side

Boxee

CinemaNow

The Cinema Guild

Cinetic Rights Management/FilmBuff

Comcast

Content Republic

Crushed Planet

Distribber

en2go

EZTakes

Guba

HDNet

Hulu

IFC

IndieFlix

IODA

Joost

LoveFilm

MeDeploy

MetaCafe

Micosoft Zune

MovieLink

Netflix

New Video

Qflix

Regent/Here!

Revver

Shorts International

SnagFilms

Starz Play (formerly Vongo)

Strand

Sundance Channel On Demand

The Auteurs

Verizon FiOS

Vudu

Vuse

Wolfe

YouTube

Top Ten Digital Distribution Tips to Filmmakers

Other platforms not included in the above:

From Wall Street Journal article about PC connecting to TV

GLOSSARY OF TERMS:

IFTA® Internet and Wireless Rider Definitions

Amazon CreateSpace /
Amazon Video On Demand